
Class. 



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GoipgMW — 



COPVKIGHT DEPOSIR 



/ 







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DEDICATED 

TO 

ALBANY'vS CHIEF HISTORIAN 

In grateful appreciation of his life-long, painstaking labors in the 
preservation of local records. 



He was born at Northfield, Mass., April 13, 1808, and died at No. 59 
Lodge St., Albany, on Jan. 15, 1880. Compiled "Annals of Albany," 
" Historical Collections," etc., and was publishing proprietor of the 
old "Webster's Calendar or The Albany Almanac" from 1841 to 
the time of his death. There is a granite stone in the Albany Rural 
Cemetery to show the passerby where his body now rests from its 
labors ; but he has left an imperishable monument among those he 
loved and strove to please, enduring for their children's children. 



This is No. 



^7 



This copy printed for . .fVr . 






ALBANY CHRONICLES 

A HISTORY OF THE CITY 
ARRANGED CHRONOLOGICALLY 



FROM THE EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE 

PRESENT TIME 

/ 

ILLUSTRATED WITH MANY HISTORICAL PICTURES 

OF RARITY AND REPRODUCTIONS OF THE 

ROBERT C. PRUYN COLLECTION OF THE 

MAYORS OF ALBANY, OWNED BY 

THE ALBANY INSTITUTE 

AND HISTORICAL AND 

ART SOCIETY 



f 



COMPILED BY 

CUYLER REYNOLDS 







ALBANY, NEW YORK 


J- 


B. 


LYON COMPANY, 

1906 


PRINTERS 



fLIBRARVo* CONGRESS 
One coy* Kecelved 

I MAY 8 1907 

CLASS /? XXc. No. 
COPY A. I 



Copyrighted, 1906. 

CUYLER REYNOLDS. 

Albany, N. Y. 

Gift 
Author 
(fmtm> 



l^rtfatt. 



The history of Albany may be described as one of age, import- 
ance and interest. Upon the past the present is built, the future 
building. Records enable individuals and aggregations of beings 
to advance and improve, through studying motives, methods and 
results, and were the people without a means of transcribing events, 
or the inclination to place facts upon paper, it is doubtful whether 
nations would have made advancement any greater than that of 
wild tribes of the uncivilized, of aborigines who have made no 
progress in a thousand years, or than the apes of the forest, it 
being almost solely so because they have never recorded how they 
acted or why, and received no knowledge that might have been 
handed down to them if their predecessors had recorded happenings. 

In its boast of age Albany has assuredly the opportunity for a 
large, comprehensive and exultant history, as it is the oldest 
chartered city existing in the United States. In point of discovery 
by civilized white men it dates back to 1540, when the French fur- 
traders built their stone fort here, and although not an enduring 
settlement then, it has been such since the arrival of the Dutch, 
or Walloons, in J\Iay of 1624. As a city it has existed since Gov- 
ernor Dongan granted it a Charter on July 22, 1686. At one period 
it was the metropolis of this country, and ever a city of the first 
importance. 

But Albany's boasting of a remarkable age for an American city 
might not define it, nevertheless, as a place of importance in a 
world history. There are, however, besides this fact, two fields in 
which it stands forth prominently, which other cities must take into 
consideration to vie with it, — the first is its relation to the nation's 
history ; the second, its features that mark great steps or epochs in 
the world's progress. 

It was from the start one of the few places on the Western Hemi- 
sphere sought by Europeans in the period of adventure for wealth, 
as being particularly worthy of settlement (T620-1630), contempo- 
raneous with the other American landmarks, — Jamestown, Man- 
hattan, Plymouth and Quebec. 

It was the scene of the first Congress of the Colonies, when 
delegates convened in its Stadt Huis, or City Hall, on June 19, 
1754, to form a unity for mutual protection against a common foe, 
as the call to assemble here describes it. 



V! PREFACE. 

BORE warfare's BRUNT. 

Albany was the scene of forceful invasion time and again by the 
French, who sought to possess the vast territory south of the St. 
Lawrence by making- armed raids down the two great Adirondack 
lakes and the Hudson to Albany, as the first and chief point of 
attack, there being few other places at the time so worthy of con- 
quering. It bore the brunt of the Indians' barbaric battling, being 
directly in their path and considered a border town, and valiantly 
held the hordes of savages from pushing to the weaker settlements 
east and south. 

^^d^en it became the great question of American Liberty, of the 
creation and then maintaining the stand of a new Republic, the 
British made Albany their objective point of attack throughout the 
Revolution, sending armies of enormous size from the westward 
under General St. Leger ; from the south, a fleet by the Hudson's 
course under General Howe, and from the north, 8,000 men coming 
from Europe by way of Canada under General Burgoyne, — all con- 
verging upon Albany, — and when General Schuyler's well-laid plans 
and exhortations to the colonies to co-operate had brought about 
the latter's surrender at Bemis Heights (Schuylerville, N. Y.) on 
Oct. 17. 1777. the victory for American Liberty was practically 
assured, for at once the Crown seriously discussed abandonment of 
its American colonies and the fight was afterwards disheartening. 

events marking epochs. 

Its epoch-marking events were when the first American passenger 
train was operated by steam between Albany and Schenectady in 
the late summer of 1831 ; when in the summer of 1829, Prof. Joseph 
Henry demonstrated in the large room of the Albany Academy that 
his theory of an electric telegraph was perfectly practical if it em- 
ployed his wonderful discovery of the " intensity " magnet, and 
when the first steamboat to ply the waters of this hemisphere, the 
Clermont, made its famous and remarkably successful trip between 
Albany and New York in September of 1807. 

Thus we perceive students of great events must turn to Albany 
for records of the first steam passenger railroad, ihe first steamboat, 
and the first electric telegraph. Other records in which the world 
bears an interest, when Albany's name is given place in encyclo- 
pedias, add further distinction to the above. Here was celebrated 
the opening of the Erie Canal, Nov. 2, 1825 ; the first settlement of 
Shakers in America was located here, and its citizens have originated 
ideas of practical and universal importance, such as the issuance of 
weather forecasts to cities throughout the country, the recording 
barometer. I\fany other discoveries and inventions have they added 
to benefit mankind. 



PREFACE. Vll 

REASONS FOR THESE RECORDS. 

Some books arc prepared without reason and fill no need or 
demand. This one started with a demand that gave reason for 
its being" written. The compiler had tabulated the answers he had 
freely furnished to the miscellaneous queries of citizens during an 
experience of ten years, and found that they numbered more than 
one thousand replies each year. A repetition of certain questions 
about the city showed that the most expedient course was to tabu- 
late various facts once they were acquired by tedious research. The 
mass of material grew, was at the disposal of but one person, per- 
ishable in their form, and consequently, held in private, it was doing 
a minimum of good, whereas publishing would bring about preser- 
vation of hidden civic history and wide service. 

It was also found that many persons bothered city officials and 
their clerks, by seeking to obtain information, often believing that 
they had a perfect right to expect a clerk to lay aside the work of 
half a day to make a special search in order to satisfy somebody's 
curiosity. While the seeker for facts might not have thought it 
would require more than a minute, when addressing a query to a 
department, it was not infrequent that a query would require more 
than a day's time devoted to turning over the orifice records. Oc- 
casionally the questions had an important business bearing, or the 
prominence of the questioner would be of sufficient weight to decide 
in favor of allowing the matter to interfere with the city's work. 
If the clerk gave but an hour each day to such concerns, it seriously 
interrupted his routine ; on the other hand, if he refused, it boded 
ill-report of that department, which was judged either unobliging 
or ignorant of matters directly in its line, though happening fifty. 
a hundred, or possibly two hundred years before. To this effect 
was the message brought to bear on the compiler when appealed to 
for assistance. He was practically alleviating the superfluous work 
of city departments because it was known he had the material at 
his command. 

SCOPE OF THE WORK. 

It was the original intention to prepare a page or two about 
each Mayor, when a publication was conceived, to include statistics 
connected with the ofifice and the man, together with a summary of 
his official deeds, such as would show for what acts of general 
public interest he was responsible during his term. These acts 
included the erection of schools, steamer houses, public baths, reser- 
voirs and filter-plants, viaducts, opening of new streets and mani- 
fold miscellaneous civic improvements. The records were searched 
for these, and it resulted in the discovery that he likewise acted, by 
virtue of his ofifice, in innumerable matters, as ui:)on the extending; 



Vlll PREFACE. 

of the public welcome or freedom of the city to notable visitors, 
opening of several conventions each year, receiving delegations, 
laying of corner-stones, dedication of buildings, accepting statues, 
fountains and various gifts on behalf of the city, not to mention 
the frequent calls made upon him to respond for the city at im- 
portant banquets. 

In a word, the Mayor participated largely in the city's life, 
which is the same as saying, acting conjointly with the citizens in 
their life, and when it is considered that he is but the figure of the 
people, representing all of them, his acts are a part of the citizens', 
and the daily record of the doings of the people is actually the 
thing that is important to the citizens themselves, — the two inter- 
twined so closely in interests that official civic acts are only a part 
of the lives of the people and there is no need to differentiate. 

Brevity has been an aim of the compiler. To gain this end he 
has sacrificed all opportunity to achieve renown by employing the 
usual fine phraseology of the historian. He has sought to make 
the statements clear, transcribing them in a manner to tell as much 
as possible within small compass. This has made the sentences an 
abrupt series of phrases. The book has thus become, in reality, 
an index to the city's past, and serves its purpose as a means to 
point to the date of an event, which being found herein, the seeker 
for full information may repair with facility to the newspaper file 
and read there all particulars. Many a person has been obliged 
to devote a week to the tiresome task of turning pages of news- 
papers and attempting to read cursorily each article's heading. 
With an approximate date in mind, these pages may be scanned 
most rapidly. 

ATTAINING ACCURACY. 

If it had not been certain that this book could be made more 
accurate, more comprehensive in scope and contents, and more 
up-to-date by a score of years than anything in the line of local 
history ever produced, its writing would not have been attempted. 
Above all else it sought accuracy at the expenditure of considerable 
time, because seeking verification and weighing one authority 
against another is a laborious undertaking that too many writers 
evade. 

It is safely estimating it to assert that some three hundred state- 
ments in other works have been condemned by discovery of their 
error, and now printed with a due regard for the truth. Consulta- 
tion of the works of historians of renown, while preparing this 
volume, has proved that even the best may be detected making 
blunders, and so while it is hoped that this publication is an im- 
provement, it would be honest to style it simply that, an improve- 
ment upon others, and put forth no claims to absolute perfection. 



PREFACE. ix 

Thanks are due to Arnold J. F. van Laer, Esq., New York State 
Archivist, for his courteous and valued co-operation along these 
lines that seek for accuracy. He has disproved statements regard- 
ing the Dutch settlement of New York made by prominent histor- 
ians, and the changes he has suggested and which were made in 
this work were agreed to because he was able to cite as his author- 
ity the original documents that are possessed by the State Library 
and directly under his control. This acknowledgment, however, 
does not commit him as sponsor for all that is printed herein about 
the Dutch; but it places credit where it belongs for from fifty to 
one hundred betterments regarding dates, names, proper transla- 
tions and the like. 

CONFUSION IN SPELLING. 

In no other department of literature is the writer so non-plussed 
as he prosecutes his work, as in preparing a history of early times, 
when he discovers that the matter of correctly spelling names of 
persons and places confronts him. The spelling of the early Dutch 
settlers hereabouts was notorious. This promiscuous spelling of 
their names could be straightened out by reference to their signa- 
tures if it were the way others wrote their names for them that 
confused; but nearly every inhabitant wrote his name in several 
styles of spelling. The handwritten records in the City Hall tower, 
centuries old, have been examined closely, and numbers of auto- 
graph letters brought to bear in the effort to untangle. 

The prune puzzler of them all was an Albany Mayor, the fourth. 
It is more definite to mention him by number than by what he 
was called. When he was Mayor of Albany he was addressed and 
wrote his own name Dirk or Dirck Wessels, while the name of his 
own son, sitting as Alderman in his father's board, was written 
Wessel Ten Broeck. Jacob Leisler the insurrectionist (who wrote 
his name Leysler before coming to America) wrote it Vessel then 
Broke, while Washington Irving called him Dirk Ten Breeches. 
But the real difficulty, as one looks over a row of histories, is not 
whether it was " Dirk " or " Dirck," nor yet whether it should be 
written " ten " or " Ten ;" but to pick out the right one from 
" Wessel," " Wessell." '^ Wessels," " Wessells " or '' Wesselse." 

In the preparation of this book, the signature at the end of a 
man's will was accepted as standard, for in his absence to testify, 
by his decease, the court gave official recognizance to the form ap- 
pearing there. But strange as it may seem, one could not be free 
to accept such spelling as found printed in a book at the end of a 
published will, for typographical error might destroy the force. 
Also the writing may not appear the same to two persons. I cite 
the case of G. W. Schuyler's "' Colonial New York," where (Vol. 



X PREFACE. 

ii, p. 329) he states: "To land contracts, deeds, and to his will, 
he wrote his name in full ' Dirk Wesselse ten Broeck ;' the ' ten ' 
always with a small ' t '."" This will is on file with the Clerk of 
the Court of Appeals. It was written by himself, in Dutch, dated 
Feb. 4, 1715; he died Sept. 18, 1717, and the will admited on Feb. 
6, 1 718. The compiler examined it and was convinced that the 
signature is not as affirmed above, (' Dirk') ; but reads Dirck Wes- 
selse ten Broeck, and such is the form followed on the monument 
to his memory at his ancient " Bouwerie," at Clermont. N. Y. 
This example is an illustration of the pains taken throughout this 
compilation. 

PECULIAR PERTINENCE. 

The compiler has taken particular pains to become personally 
acquainted with the scenes of almost all the places of importance 
mentioned in this book. It was to enable him to write understand- 
ing'ly of events with which Albanians were connected that trans- 
pired at such places as Bemis Heights, Schuylerville and Stillwater ; 
Ticonderoga, Fort George, Bloody Pond, Schenectady, etc.. that he 
made special journeys. In taking up each period of history it is 
essential to place oneself as nearly in touch with the event as it 
is possible to do by abundant reading and then by acquaintance 
with the scene itself. One must be carried back in mind to those 
days long past while writing of them, to be able to judge of the 
importance of the characters living then and ')f the occurrence. 
The reader may wonder why the death of a certain individual is 
stated ; but taking the whole story of the book it will be found 
that he had important bearing on some previous occasion, which 
act his death-mention completes. 

It is advisable to speak here of the reason for including any 
events that occurred outside of the city limits. In the first place, 
it seemed to rob Albany of a large part of its best history if the 
line were drawn so far as a record, at the city boundary. If a great 
general or artist had spent most of his life here but latterly lived 
and died elsewhere, it was deemed proper to make the entry as 
extensive as though he breathed his last in this city. If General 
Schuyler burned blockhouses and impeded Burgoyne near Lake 
George, if Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck (the 28th ]Mayor) led his 
command to Bemis Heights and fought valiantly there, or if Gen. 
Peter Gansevoort held Fort Stanwix during the bloodiest, bitterest 
conflict of the Revolution, and if Peter Tovvuscnd (great-grand- 
father of Mayor Franklin Townsend) had constructed at his iron 
foundry the mammoth chain that reached across the Hudsou at 
West Point to keep I>ritish ships away from Albany, the acts of 
this nature deserved record equally as much as though the entire 



PREFACE. XI 

event transpired within gunshot of the City Hall. On this princi- 
ple, such matters happening remote from here, without an Albanian 
as participant, but with direct bearing upon Albany, as when Wash- 
ington prevented Howe from proceeding up the river to storni 
Albany, require a position in local history that the picture may not be 
incomplete and as explaining what the resultant acts were here. 
One cannot read a history with understanding if the why and 
wherefore are omitted. 

REFEKEXCE READINGS. 

The condensation by the writer of this book of the important 
facts with local bearing as contained in twelve thousand pages 
may be reversed by those who wish to gain the details by consulting 
the list of books purposely perused in writing this one. They are 
the sources of information, aside from unpublished documents con- 
sulted. The acknowledgment made here that the writer, in the 
nature of events drew his information from the records or writings 
of others likewise makes it clear that he vouches for the authen- 
ticity of no other incidents entered in this volume than those 
coming directly to his personal knowledge, covered by a period 
of the last two or three decades. However, he has been careful to 
verify, and has consulted such works as were commonly considered 
reliable. 

It may truthfully be said that only one history of the city has 
ever been written, and that by a Trojan, a seeker for accuracy who 
spared no pains, Arthur James Weise, whose " History of Albany " 
(1885) is a most comprehensive volume and one to be relied upon 
for statement of fact and the accompanying dates. 

But to follow the city's events more closely, to be certain of 
the facts, to gain the details and to be entertained by the quaintness 
of it all, for the writer evidently allowed himself to be carried back 
in mind to the periods of his yearly records, one must pore over 
the faithfully-executed, ten plain volumes of Joel Munsell's "Annals 
of Albany," — unappreciated, possibly, at the time they were printed 
by him ; but highly prized now, as is the way of the world. He 
devoted days and nights that the people of coming generations might 
learn without trouble to themselves all about the city's past. In 
this act he made himself one of the city's greatest philanthropists. 
Besides these books, there are his four large volumes of " Collec- 
tions," and other of his works. It may appear to those familiar 
with the "Annals," that this book bears a resemblance to his pro- 
duction in scope and a little in its arrangement, for one diary must 
be like another that deals with similar material ; but it is impossible 
that there was the slightest intent or that the compiler of this book 
was in any way influenced by the "Annals," for he started this 



Xll PREFACE. 

book early in 1904 and never read a page of Munsell's " Annals " 
until, as a library record shows, he drew out the books but three 
months previous to the completion of this book, and had made 
nearly all of it before he checked the "Annals " for such items that 
might have been omitted. 

One cannot avoid Dr. Edward B. O'Callaghan's " Documentary 
History of New York," (4 volumes; 4,317 pp.; Weed, Parsons & 
Co., 1849) in writing about Albany, for it is cited in every history 
written about this state, and if one does not obtain the facts direct 
they are absorbed through any work consulted. 

"A History of Albany and Schenectady Counties," George Rogers 
Howell and Jonathan Tenney, editors, (997 pp., 1886) has aimed 
to cover every department in which citizens take interest, and is 
a work of great convenience. Some objection is made to the 
form of index and the various writers who participated in the 
text were not always accurate. Parts may be followed, but not 
the volume in its entirety. 

"Colonial New York," by the late George W. Schuyler (2 vols., 
1.408 pp., Scribner's, 1885) is not only carefully written and enter- 
taining; but it is largely about Albany and its people before the 
state was formed. For the compiler of an untried new work to 
praise a book that is so favorably known would be presumptuous or 
unnecessary recommendation. 

" Early Settlers of Albany County," by Prof. Jonathan Pearson 
of Schenectady, is a work that every citizen of means who takes 
pride in his city secures if he can afford the luxury of out-of-print 
volumes ; but despite its prominence the antiquarians of recent day 
discredit its statement in parts. They claim that they have found 
earlier records that its author did not have access to in his re- 
searches. 

"A History of St. Peter's Church," by Rev. Joseph Hooper, M. A., 
(The Brandow Printing Co., Albany, 556 pp., 1900) presents much 
material throwing light upon early times at Albany. It shows 
clearlv that it was written with great pains, and the details of any 
subject discussed, — fort, church, street or individual — are replete 
and evidently the result of drawing records from musty retreats 
into public notice. 

" Centennial Celebrations," by Allen C. Beach, (Weed, Parsons & 
Co., 459 pp., 1879) contains much that has a bearing on the more 
important of local matters, a book that is widely and worthily 
known. 

•'A Godchild of Washington," by IMrs. Katharine Schuyler Bax- 
ter, (F. Tennyson Neely, New York, 651 pp., 1897) presents a 
mass of new material from old letters, while the familiar incidents 
are written in a .style fascinating to the antiquarian. Unfortunately 



PREFACE. XIU 

the printers did not do full justice in the spelling of names; but 
their blunders are too glaring to be dangerous. 

"A Life of General Philip Schuyler," by Bayard Tuckerman, 
(Dodd, Mead & Co., New York, 277 pp., 1903) places the reader 
in touch with the stirring incidents of the Revolutionary campaign 
as enacted here or affecting this city. Every citizen taking pride 
in the great men of Albany's past should read it, and become 
enthusiastic that Albanians played so important a part in national 
history. 

" Letters and Journals of Madam Riedesel," translated ably by 
William L. Stone of Saratoga in 1867, and published by Joel Mun- 
sell, is a work of absorbing interest because the writing is the 
graphic description of an eye-witness of Revolutionary scenes that 
transpired either in this city or near here. 

" The Ten Broeck Family Genealogy," by Miss Emma Ten 
Broeck Runk, now residing at Lambertville, N. J., (De Vinne 
Press, 2.JJ pp., 1897) is devoted in the main to this city's history 
although styled a genealogy. 

"Novum Belgium: an Account of New Netherland in 1643-4, 
by Rev. Father Isaac Jogues," with notes by John Gilmary Shea, 
(privately printed in 1862) is a faithful record of this place at this 
early time, told in the words of the persecuted missionary. 

" The Sexagenary," printed by Joel Munsell and the authorship 
traced to John P. Becker of Revolutionary days although he gave 
scarcely a clue to his identity, is valuable as the story of an observ- 
ant witness of the fight for liberty along the upper Hudson. 

"x\ Story of Old Saratoga," by Rev. John Henry Brandow, (The 
Brandow Printing Co., Albany, 396 pp., with maps, 1900) is com- 
prehensive in its narrative of Burgoyne's invasion and surrender, 
and probably the best that has been written. 

" Stories from Early New York History," by Sherman Williams 
of Glens Falls, (Scribner's, 320 pp., 1906) although planned for 
the youth or for collegians, will give greater pleasure to grown 
readers ; deals in part with Albany, and is worthy of the attention 
of the busy person who, hurriedly seeking to be informed regarding 
his state's history, will be most delighted and remember what is read 
because of the way the material is presented. 

'' Dutch and Quaker Colonies in America," by the late John 
Fiske, (2 vols., Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1899) is told in an enter- 
taining way : but this literary style has caused the elimination of too 
many dates (which might have been placed in foot-notes) and serves 
better as a picture of colonial days than as a volume of records to 
consult for dates. 

" The Hudson River from Ocean to Source." by Edgar Mayhew 
Bacon, (590 pp., G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1902) deals extensively with 
Albany and vicinity. 



XIV PREFACE. 

" Historic Towns of Aliddle States," (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 439 
pp., 1899) has a section of merit contributed about Albany by Rev. 
Dr. Walton W. Battershall, rector of St. Peter's. 

Francis Parkman's works should be read for a general under- 
standing of Colonial and Revolutionary days hereabouts. There 
are local works of biographies, P)erthold Fernow's historical writ- 
ings, the large Bi-Centennial record book prepared by Andrew 
Hamilton, Esq., under the chairmanship of Ex-Mayor A. B. Banks, 
state papers prepared by State Historian Hugh Hastings, Gen. 
Amasa J. Parker's " Landmarks of Albany,"" Mrs. Martha Eamb's 
historical works ; Mrs. Grant"s " Memoirs of an American Lady," 
and numerous other works of the nature of those cited. 

The above list is not a bibliography of Albany. There are other 
volumes and the miscellaneous booklets of institutions useful for 
reference ; but these particularly are deserving of credit for the 
assistance they have been in compiling this one, and a collection of 
works relating to Albany would have to contain these volumes. 

Books were only a portion of the source of information. The 
written records. Dutch and English, — ancient, musty, half illegible, 
partly burned. — as contained in the tower rooms of the City Hall, 
were made to yield their facts. It is well to preserve material of 
this nature in such way that it is accessible, as by printing; also, lest 
a second conflagration remove what the City Hall fire of 1880 has 
left to us. Besides this, from five to six thousand individual letters 
had to be vv'ritten, and six hundred of these, by count, were devoted 
to the material about the Mayors alone. 

APPRECIATIVE ASSISTANCE. 

While tlic writings of others were essential in the production of 
this work, the book would not have been written or given to the 
public in the manner it is, without co-operation in its production. 
Therefore, the compiler is not the onlv one to whom praise will be 
due if the book deserves it, although he alone must suiTer for its 
shortcomings. He would express his thanks to Robert C. Pruyn, 
Esq., for the way in which he has shown his appreciation of the 
undertaking from the start and made the publication possible in 
its completeness and form ; for sanctioning and bearing the expense 
of making the collection of the Mayors' portraits and letters by the 
compiler ; for advice, encouragement and help, — testimonials that 
his interest in the city, its people and institutions is sincere. 

There have been others in sympathy with the project, for in 
the course of three vears of confining restarcli many obstacles weru 
encountered which only those who sought its production could aid 
the compiler to overcome. Mrs. John V. L. Pruyn is one who 
placed what she had at the dis])Osal of the writer, whether resulting 



PREFACE. 



XV 



in inconvenience or injury, and courteously insisted that anything 
she could do should be requested. 

In various helpful ways Mayor Charles H. Gaus, Mr. James 
Ten Eyck, Mr. J. Townsend Lansing, Hon. William Barnes, Jr., 
and J\Ir. Dudley Olcott have taken a part that was needful and 
resultant ii; a benefit to the work. Sup't James A. Burns, of the 
Albany Rural Cemetery; Secretary William B. Jones, of the Cham- 
ber of Commerce ; former Weather Forecaster Alfred F. Sims ; 
Eben E. Olcott, President of the Hudson River Day Line ; Prof. 
Lewis Boss, of the Dudley Observatory ; Albert E. Brainard, of the 
N. Y. Central Railroad, Charles Munsell and William L. Marcy 
Phelps, have cordially furnished information as often as it was 
requested. 

It is with gratitude that the production of the work is closed, — a 
gratification, also, that despite the pleasurable ptn-suit it is finally 
ended and that it may prove a benefit to many. 




" Pinxter Hill," 
Albany, Aug. 14, 1906. 



Xist of ITlIustratione- 



(This is an alphabetical list of the illustrations and in no wise a reference 
table to be used for the date of any object pictured, the dates listed here 
referring simply to a reference to the picture in the text, hence, for definite 
data see information under each picture.) 



Albany 

Albany in 1829 

Albany Map of 1614 (Oct. 1 1, 

Albany Map of 1695 

Albany Map of 1765 

Albany Map of 1794 

Albany Academy ( J"ly ^9, 

Albany County Aims-House (Sept. 20, 

Albany County Building 

Albany Female Academy (May 12, 

Albany Hospital (June 23, 

Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society (Mch. 15, 

Albany Orphan Asylum (Dec. 2, 

Albany Savings Bank (Apr. 25, 

Albany Seal 

Albany Seal of 1752 

Albany Trust Company ( Sept. 5, 

All Saints' Cathedral (June 3, 

Andre Meeting Arnold (Sept. 21, 

Andre Pass and Portrait (Oct. 2, 

Angel at the Sepulchre (Apr. 29, 

Arnold, General Benedict (Oct. 7, 

Arthur's Tomb (Nov. 18, 

Artists of Albany (Mch.-Apr., 



Frontispiece 

PAGE. 



1829) 444 

1614) 10 

1695) 134 

1765) 260 

1794) 384 

1815) 416 

1826) 468 

1875) 664 

1834) 510 

1898) 742 
1897) 708 
1829) 484 

1899) 750 
1686) 112 
1752) 246 

1903) 774 
1884) 674 
1780) 352 
1780) 352 
1867) 646 
1777) 316 
1886) 704 

1904) 778 



B. 

Bemis Heights Battle Well (Sept. 19, 1777) 310 

Bloody Pond (Sept. 8, 1755) 216 

BurgoynC; General John (Oct. 18. 1777) 340 

Burns Statue (Aug. 30, 1888) 714 



Capitol of 180S (Nov. i, 1808) 404 

Capitol of 1808 — Houses (July 7, 1869) 660 

Capitol of 1808 is Razed (Dec. i, 1883) 698 

Capitol of 1878 (May 14, 1878) 686 

Capitol's Western Staircase (1898) 716 

Central Railroad Station (Dec. 17, 1900) 7S\ 

Chain Across Hudson (Apr. 30, 1778) 346 

City Hall of 1740 (June 19, 1754) 248 

City Hall of 1831 (Aug. 31, 1829) 482 

City Hall of 1881 (Oct. 13, 1881) 690 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PACE. 

Clarke Created Secretary ( Mch. i6, 1703) 166 

Clermont ( Sept. 5, 1807 ) 402 

Congress Hall (July i, 1825) 454 

Constitution House (Apr. 20, 1777) 288 

Constitution Island ( Apr. 16, 1 778 ) 342 

Cruiser Albany (Mch. 16, i8g8) 740 

Cruiser Albany Commissioned (Alay 29, 1900) 752 

Cruiser Albany Launched (Jan. 14, 1899) 746 

Cruiser Albany Silver Service (Feb. 7, 1903) 770 

Cuyler Mansion — Vlie House (1770) 268 

D. 

DeWitt Clinton Enoine and Coaches (Sept. 24, 1831) 500 

De Witt Clinton Vases (Mch. 21, 1825) 4^2 

Dongan Charter (July 22, 1686) 88 

Dongan, Governor Thomas '. ( 1686 ) 100 

Dovegat House, South of Schuylerville (Sept. i.S, I777'> 3o6 

Dudley Observatory — Old (Aug. 28, 1856) 622 

Dudley Observatory — New (Nov. 4, 1893) 726 

Duke of York and Albany ( Sept. 24, 1664) 66 

Duke of York and Albany Charter (Mch. 12, 1664) 62 

Dutch Church (June 2, 1656) 50 

Dutch Church Interior (Nov. 25, 1717) 186 

Dutch Church Pulpit (Aug. 10, 1657) 52 

Dutch Church Weather-Cock ( 1700) 150 

E. 

Eagle Tavern ( 1814) 41^ 

Elm Tree Corner (i735') 220 

Elm Tree Corner in 1837 (1837) 524 

Erie Canal Completed ( Nov. 2, 1825 ) 456 

Erie Canal Opening ( Sept. 25, 1823) 440 

Exchange Building (Nov. i, 1836) 518 

F. 

Father Isaac Jogues (Aug. 4, 1642) 2,2 

Federal Building (Mch. 12, 1872) 652 

Filtration Plant ( Sept., 1899 ) 74^ 

Gates. General Horatio (1732) 206 

Fort Crailo ( 1663) 58 

Fort Frederick ( 1676) 76 

Fort Frederick Plans (Aug. 15, 1702) \6.\ 

Fort Neilson (Oct. 7, 1777) 3I4 

Fort Ticonderoga (July .S, I777) 292 

Fort William Henry (Aug. 28, 1755) 212 

F>itz Villa — Wolfert's Roost (June 15, 1891) 722 

G. 

Gansevoort, General Peter (Aug. 6, 1777) 298 

Gansevoort Flag (July 2, 1812) 412 

Gates, General Horatio ... (Aug. 19, 1777) 302 

Governor's :\[ansion (Jan. 25, 1876) 668 

Grant's Dispatch Boat ( 1863) 628 

H. 

Half-Moon Reaches Albany (Sep. 19, 1609) 10 

Hamilton's Marriage in Schuyler Mansion (Dec. 14, 1780) 352 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE. 

Hawk Street Viaduct (June ii, 1888) 718 

Henry, Prof. Joseph (May 13, 1878) 682 

Henry and the Telegraph (July, 1829) 480 

Henry's Albany Home (Sep. 11, 1826) 464 

Henry's First Magnets ( 1828) 442 

Henry's " Intensity " Magnet (March, 1829) 476 

Henry's Telegraph Bell (July, 1829) 480 

Home for Aged- ( 1874) 654 

Hudson, Henry (Jan. 8, 1609) 8 

Humane Society Building (1901) 762 

■4 
I. 

Immaculate Conception Cathedral ( JuW 2, 1848) 594 

Important Albany Institutions ( 1899-1900) 750 

Indian Land Deed (May 31, 1663) 56 

Indian Treaty (June 14, 1701 ) 158 

J- 

Jail of 1810 (July 30, 1810) 408 

Jane McCrea Tree (July 27, 1777) 296 

K. 

King Fountain (Sept. 29, 1893) 724 

King Hendrick (Sept. 8, 1755) 214 

L. 

Lady Harriet Ackland (Oct. 18, 1777) 340 

Lake Bethesda, Rural Cemetery (Oct. 7, 1844) 558 

Lake Consecration, Rural Cemetery (Oct. 7, 1844) 558 

Lancaster School — Albany Medical College (May 5, 1817) 426 

Lansing — Visscher — Pemberton House (1710) 182 

Lord Howe's Burial (Sept. 5, 1758) 254 

M. 

Maj'or Banks (Anthony Bleecker) 670 

Mayor Bleecker (Charles Edward) 656 

Mayor Bleecker (Jan Jansen) 15*^" 

Mayor Bleecker (Rutger) 200 

Mayor Blessing (James Henry) 74^ 

Mayor Bloodgood ("Francis) 49^ 

Mayor Corning ( Erastus) 508 

Maj'or De Peyster (Johannes) 204 

Mayor Douw (Volckert Petrus) 258 

Mayor Dudley (Charles Edward) 432 

Mayor Gaus (Charles Henry) 7^^^ 

Mayor Godard ( Charles Watson) 636 

Maj'or Humphrey (Friend) 552 

Mayor Jenkins (Elisha) 424 

Mayor Judson (Edmund Lewis) 662 

Mayor Lansing (John) TH^ 

Mayor Livingston (Robert, Jun.) 180 

Mayor Maher (Edward Augustin) 712 

Mayor Manning (James Hilton) 720 

Mayor Nolan (Michael Nicholas) 680 

Mayor Paige (John Keyes) 566 

Mayor Parmelee (William) 572 

Mayor Perry (Eli) 610 



XX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE. 

Mayor Rathbone (.Tared Lewis) 534 

Mayor Sanders (Robert) 2z^ 

Mayor Scluiylcr ( David Davidse) 176 

Mayor Schuyler (Johannes) 170 

Mayor Schuyler (Johannes. Jun.) 224 

Mayor Schuyler ( Pieter) no 

IMayor Spencer ( Ambrose) 448 

Mayor Staats (Barent Philip) 546 

Mayor Stevenson (James) 460 

Mayor Swinburne (John) 696 

Mayor Taylor (John) 592 

Mayor Ten Broeck (Abraham) 350 

Mayor Ten Broeck (Dirck) 234 

Mayor Thacher (George Hornell) 640 

Mayor Thacher (John Boyd) 702 

Mayor Townsend (Franklin) 602 

Mayor Townsend (John) 474 

Mayor Van Alstyne (Thos. Jefferson) 738 

Mayor Van Rensselaer (Philip Schuyler) 390 

Mayor Van Schaick (Sybrant Gozen) 250 

Mayor Van Vechten (Tennis) 522 

Mayor Wilson (Oren Elbridge) 730 

Mayor Yates { Abraham) 378 

Mayor Gaus and Prince Henry (Mch. 7, 1902) 768 

Mannins; Boulevard (Dec. 24, 1887) 706 

ATarble "^Pillar Building (1863) 632 

Marcy's Grave, Governor William L (d. July 4, 1857) 542 

Marshall House, Schuylerville (Oct. 11, 1777) 326 

Mechanics and Farmers' Bank (1814) 414 

Morgan, General Daniel (Oct. 7, 1777) 31S 

IVIother Ann's Tomb (Sept. 8. 1784) 364 

Mrs. Grant of Laggan ( 1808) 406 

Munsell, Joel (Dedication page). 

Museum Building (Jan. i. 1831) 498 

N. 

National Commercial Bank (May 2, 1904) 780 

North Dutch Reformed Church (June 12, 1797) 354 

North Market (179O 380 

North Pearl Street (1788) 374 



O. 

Odd Fellows' Hall (July 18, 1894) 732 

P. 

Patroon's Office ( 1678) 78 

Penny Postman Winne ( 1812) 410 

Prince of Orange ( May, 1624) 20 

Printing by Primitive Methods ( 1828 ) 470 

Pruyn Allar and Reredos (1885) 676 

Pruyn Library (Apr. 8, 1901) 756 

Q. 

Queen Anne Silver Service (Nov., 1712) 184 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



R. 

Rcnsselaerswyck Cannon of 1630 (July i, 1644 

Riedesel, Madame (Oct. 18, 1777 

Rural Cemetery (Dec. 31, 1840 

Rural Cemetery Buildings (1882 

Rural Cemetery Chapel ( 1884 

Rural Cemetery Grounds (May 14, 1841 

Rural Cemetery Lakes (Oct. 7, 1844 

Rural Cemetery Office ( 1882 

Rural Cemetery Statuary (Nov. 18, 1886 

Rural Cemetery Sup't's House (1899 

Rural Cemetery Vault ( 1858 



Sanders-Glen Scotia House ( 1752 

Schenectady Massacre (Feb. 8, 1690 

Schuyler Flatts, WatervHet (June 22, 1672 

Schuyler, General Philip (Jan. 29, 1784 

Schuyler's Grave (Nov. 18, 1804 

.Schuyler Homestead, Schuylerville (Oct. 10, 1777 

.Schuyler's Indian Sachems (Dec, 1709 

Schuyler Mansion ( 1761 

Schuyler Mansion Attacked (Aug. 7, 1781 

Schuyler Mansion Guests (Oct. 18, 1777 

Schuyler, Mrs. Philip (Oct. 18, 1777 

Schuylerville Monument (Oct. 17, 1777 

Sloughter's Commission (Jan. 4, 1691 

Soldiers' Monument. Rural Cemetery 

South Dutch Church (Apr. 30, 

Spanish War .Souvenir (Sept. 24, 

Staats House ( 

Stanwix Hall ( 

State Hall ( 

State Library of 1851 (Aug. 24, 

State Normal College ( 

State Street — North Side (Mch. 10, 

Steamboat Albany (July 3, 

Steamboat Clermont (Sept. 5, 

Steamboat Hendrick Hudson (Mch. 31, 

Steamboat Mary Powell ( 

Steamboat Milton Martin ( 

St. Agnes' School (June 19, 

St. Mary's Church (Sept. 13, 

St. Peter's Church — First Edifice (Nov. 25, 

St. Peters Church — Second Edifice (May 7, 

St. Peter's Church — Third Edifice (June 29, 

St. Peter's Church — Literior (Oct. 4, 

St. Peter's Church Tower (Nov. i, 

Stuyvesant, Director Pieter (Jan. 15, 

Surrender of Burgoyne (Oct. 17, 

Surrender Tree, Schuylerville ■ (Oct. 16, 



806 
898 
667 
833 

842 

851 
88s 
804 
880 
807 
906 
861 
863 
871 
797 
717 
802 

859 
860 
876 
652 

m 
777 



T. 



Ten Broeck's " Bouwerie " ( 1697 

Ten Broeck's Commission as Mayor (Oct. 3, 1747 

Ten Broeck's Mansion (1798 



38 
340 
54^ 
692 
624 
528 
558 
692 
70.1 
692 
624 



246 
120 

72 

36-' 
362 

324 
130 
256 
354 
340 
340 
334 
124 
398 
400 
744 
70 
504 
548 
612 
678 

688 
402 
802 
644 
628 
650 
356 
188 

394 
626 

642 
672 
46 
336 
3?,-2 



140 
236 
356 



U. 
L^nited Traction Co.'s Office (June 14, 1900) 7= 



XXU LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

V. PAGE. 

Vanderheyden Palace ( 1725) 196 

Van Rensselaer Coach ( 1818) 428 

Van Rensselaer Manor (1765 ) 262 

Van Rensselaer Manor House of 1666 (1666) 68 

Van Rensselaer Manor House of 1765 (Jan. 26, 1839) 536 

Van Rensselaer Manor House of 1843 (June 3, 1843) 554 

Van Rensselaer Manor House in 1893 (Oct.. 1893) 728 

Van Rensselaer Manor House Hall (Jan. 26, 1839) 536 

Van Rensselaer Manor House Library (May 25, 1868) 658 

Van Rensselaer Manor House Parlor (June 19, 1875) 666 

Van Rensselaer, Patroon Kiliaen (July '^■1, 1630) 24 

Verrazano, Giovanni da (1524) 4 

W. 

War Map of Revolution (July, I777) 294 

Washington's Headquarters ( i75o) 242 

Washington Park Lake (July, 1875 ) 666 

Washington Park Scene ( 1894) 734 

Waterworks Company Reservoir ( 1802) 392 

Welch's Grave, Rev. Bartholomew T 542 

Whitehall Homestead ( 1749) 240 

Wolven-Hoeck (1724) 192 

Y. 

Yankee Doodle House (June, 1758) 252 



flDaisors of Hlban^^ 



1. Col. Pieter Schuyler. 

2. Judge Johannes Abeel. 

3. Judge Evert Bancker. 

4. Maj. Dirck Wesselse ten Broeck. 

5. Hon. Hendrick Hansen. 

6. Capt. Pieter \'an Brugh (Verbrugge). 

7. Capt. Jan Jansen Bleecker. 

8. Hon. Johannes Bleecker, Jun. 

9. Capt. Albert Janse Ryckman. 

10. Capt. Johannes Schuyler. 

11. Hon. David Davidse Schuyler. 

12. Hon. Robert Livingston, Jun. 

13. Lieut. -Col. Myndert Schuyler. 

14. Hon. Johannes Cuyler. 

15. Hon. Rutger Bleecker. 

16. Capt. Johannes de Peyster. 

17. Johannes (" Hans ") Hansen, Esq. 

18. Edward Holland, Esq. 

19. Col. Johannes Schuyler, Jun. 

20. Cornells Cuyler, Esq. 

21. Hon. Dirck Ten Broeck. 

22. Judge Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck. 

23. Capt Robert Sanders. 

24. Sybrant Gozen Van Schaick, Esq. 

25. Judge Volckert Petrus Douw. 

26. Col. Abraham Cornells Cuyler. 
2']. John Barclay, Esq. 

28 Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck. 

29. Johannes Jacobse Beeckman, Esq. 

30. Chancellor John Lansing, Jun. 

31. Sen. Abraham Yates, Jun. 

32. Philip Schuyler A^an Rensselaer. Esq. 

33. Col. Elisha Jenkins. 

34. Sen. Charles Edward Dudley. 

35. Judge Ambrose Spencer. 



XXIV MAYORS OF ALBANY. 

36. James Stevenson, Esq. 

37. John Townsend, Esq. 

38. Francis Bloodgood, Esq. 

39. Sen. Erastus Corning. 

40. Hon. Tennis Van Vechten. 

41. Hon. Jared Lewis Rathbone. 

42. Dr. Barent Philip Staats. 

43. Sen. Friend Humphrey. 

44. Col. John Keyes Paige. 

45. Judge William Parmelee. 

46. John Taylor, Esq. 

47. Gen. Franklin Townsend. 

48. Hon. Eli Perry. 

49. Capt. Charles Watson Godard. 

50. Hon. George Hornell Thacher. 

51. Hon. Charles Edward Bleecker. 

52. Hon. Edmund Lewis Judson. 

53. Sen. A. Bleecker Banks. 

54. Hon. Michael Nicholas Nolan. 

55. Dr. John Swinburne. 

56. Sen. John Boyd Thacher. 

57. Edward Augustin Maher, Esq. 

58. Maj. James Hilton Manning. 

59. Oren Elbridge Wilson, Esq. 

60. Judge Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne. 

61. Hon. James Henry Blessing. 

62. Maj. Charles Henry Gaus. 



Note — Titles appearing here are given without reference to holding office 
of Mayors ; " Hon." signifying the executive had held public office. 



jFounbino the Cit^ of Hlban^, 



MAOUAAS or IMohawk Indians 1524 

FUR-TRADERS (French) 1540 

HENRY HUDSON Sept. 19, 1609 

TRADING-POST (Dutch) 1615 

FORT ORANGE (Walloons) May, 1624 

RENSSELAERSWYCK (Dutch) June i, 1630 

BEVERSWYCK (Dutch) April i, 1652 

ALBANY (EngHsh) Sept. 24, 1664 

WILLEMSTADT (Dutch) Au-. 5, 1673 

ALBANY (EngHsh) Nov. 10, 1674 

ALBANY CITY (Charter) July 22. 1686 



VERRAZANO'S DISCOVERY — 1524. 
Giovanni da Verrazano, expert Italian navigator, in 1523 sails the La Dauphine 50 men 
from Dieppe, Fiance, commissioned by Francis I., seeking direct route to East Indies He 
enters nCw York Bay in April. 1524. Without sailing up the river, he notes that Indian 
tribes inhabit both its shores, and departs. ^ ^ 

FRENCH FUR-TRADERS' CASTLE — 1540. 
French fur-traders, bartering with Indians along the (Hudson) river, erect a stone 
"Ilsne" or fortified trading-post, 2G x 36 feet, on island at southern boundary of site of 
Albany, in 1540. , « . 

HENRY HUDSON'S ARRIVAL — Sept. 19. 1609. 
TT<.„r^ TT„rl«on in Enelish navigator, is employed by the Dutch East India Co. under 

v^rt R..r on Sent 3rd (Old stvle) : passes through The Narrows on Sept. 6th, and reaches 
?h/ sife of llbanv on Sept 19th He anchors there four days while his men go northward 
o%ound°'hoS'muoh'?nteJcourse With I"'l'ans ; starts cruising down the r.ver on Sept. 
23rd; sails for Holland on Oct. 4th^ and arrives at Dartmouth, Eng., on Nov. 7, 1609. 
DUTCH TRADING-POST — 1615. 

1540 on the island just south of site of Albany, eaiiint, ii luit i>a..au, 
by freshet in 1618 and abandoned. ^ ^ 

FORT ORANGE — THE WALLOONS — May, 1G24. 
The Dutch West India Co. is incorporated under seal of Lords St^^^^.^^eneral of Ho anfl 
June 3 1G21 intending to colonize or trade in America. The Walloons, or perse, utea 
Fre^hProtes ants who had fled to Rolgium. liked by the Dutch because of their thrift 
ieml^n this company Feb.. 5, 1622, to bo anowoa to senb> alo^ 

St ^J^Mof Tnt^/rTe^'vork-Bo"- ^l^y 'l^^l 'L^'^dt sUe\,f Al»>any; building 
FOTt Orange near the river on main land, in June, in command of which they Pl^^e A"en 
JorL: but in 1629 the company abandons sending settlers because of heavy expense to 
maintain. « ♦ • 

RENSSELAERSWYCK — June 1. 1630. 
The Dutch West India Co.. abandoning settlement policy, adopt.s plan of allowing manorial 
erants which o^ June 7, 1629. is approved by U.rds States-General at Amsterdam K. iaen 
Van Ren.selaor D -e^^ of the Amsterdam Chamber and wealthy pearl merchant, obtains 
on Nov 19 1629 the first concession to establish a colony. Me writes at once to Sebastlaen 
Jan^enCroi. at Forf orange, to purchase a tract from the Mohawks for h.m and associates 
The first lot of colonists sail on the Unity. Capt. Jan Brouwer. March 21, 1630. »" J^'y 
27 163^ Crol buvs a tract on which Albany is built, extending it southward by ^"^"6 along the 
vest shore from Beeren to Smacks Island, April 30, 1631. The ,^'""y/-'-^/\f ;'6*;^;^,°,^:^fr,3' 
on Mav "4 1630 and reaches Fort Orange on June 1. Indians' deed of Aug. 13, 1630, transiers 
anf (on which Albanv is built) to Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, and in 1631 he forms a partner- 
ship wUh other Hollaiiders. Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer is the firstof the family to come 
to America, 1651, and becomes Director of tlie Manor on May 8, lt)i>-.. 

BEVERSWYCK — April 1, 1652. 
Director-General Pioter Stuyvesant. chief official of the Dutch West India Co. in New 
Netherinnd, with headquarters on Manhattan Island, while at Fort Orange on April 1. 1652, 
proclaims the land built up about the fort neaj- the river to be known as Dorpe Beverswyck. 

ALB4.NY — English Rule — Sept. 24, 1664. 
The English had coveted New Netherland, claiming It as a portion of the territory granted 
bv Queen Elizabeth in 1584 to Sir Walter Raleigh, and also of right by the discovery of 
the Cabotsln 1497. The Plymouth colony had grown jealous and influenced King Charles 11 
of England, who made a grant of the territory embraced "' ^«7 .^^'^.^e^land and more 
besides) to his brother, James, Duke of York and Albany, on March 12, 1664 'The English 
flilt entered New York' Bay on Aug. 26th, and its commander Col. R"^hard NicoUs, demaiids 
of Director-General Stuyvesant the surrender of New Amsfrdam. ^He resists but signs the 
capitulation on Sept. 8. 1664. and Vice-Director La Montague, tor the Du cli West India Co 
at Fort Orange, peacefully surrenders that place on ordej: from Gov. NicoUs, Sept. 24, 1664. 

WILLEMSTADT — Dutch Rule — Aug. 5, 1673. 
King Charles II. of England breaks the peace of Breda (July 31. 1667) by declaring war 
on March 17 1672, against Dutch provinces. A Dutch fleet of 23 vessels and 1 600 men 
enter^s New York Bav on July 29, 1673, demanding surrender of Fort James, which does so 
fater that day. and "Lieut. Salisbury surrenders Fort Albany (that had been Fort Orange) 
op Aug. 5, 1673. , . * 

ALBANY — English Rule — Feb. 19, 1674. 
WiUemstadt becomes Albany once more on the signing of the treaty of Westminster, 
whereby the Dutch stipulate on Feb. 19, 1674, that all the lands, islands, cities and forts 
that they had captured from the English, should revert to that nation. 

* * * 

ALBANY RECEIVES CHARTER. 

Col. Thomas Dongan, Governor of the Province of New York, grants a charter to Albany, and 
commissions Col. Pieter Schuyler to be the first Mayor, on July 22, 1686. 

f* * * 




GIO\'ANNI DA VERRAZANO. 

Francis I. o"^ France commissioned him to discover new lands, and he 
anchored La Dauphinc m New York Bay. summer of 1524. 



jfounbino of Hlban^. 

1523. 



Thirty-one years after Columbus had discovered America, Giovanni 
da Verrazano, an expert ItaHan navigator of the high seas, 
sets sail aboard La Dauphine with a crew of fifty men, from 
Dieppe, on the northern coast of France, bearing the commis- 
sion of Francis I., King of France, to seek a western route to 
India or discover new lands for the Crown. 



1524. 

Verrazano first perceives the North American continent at the 34th 
parallel of latitude, being practically off Cape Hatteras, North 
Carolina, (Old style) March 11. 

Verrazano steers southward, exploring the coast for about fifty 
leagues (150 miles, not far to the north of Charleston, S. C), 
then turns northward, at times going ashore to make cursory 
surveys of the country in search of a body of water opening 
westward, March 15. 

Verrazano arrives at New York Bay and enters it. Believing that 
he is in a navigable strait that will conduct him to India, he 
mans his small boat and rows into the upper bay, which he notes 
in his journal as a beautiful lake formed by a large river. 
Indians paddle from the shore in canoes to meet him, and 
wonder at the strangeness of the faces of the foreign visitors, 
the like of which they had never beheld, at the unusual cos- 
tumes and the peculiar vessel with oars and sail, and appearance 
of a bird ; but a gale arising, he and his men pull back to the 
larger boat, which had ridden at anchor in the bay, and they put 
to sea, April. 

The La Dauphine arrives at Dieppe, France, and Verrazano immedi- 
ately sends a letter to King Francis describing the land he had 
explored for nearly 1,200 miles, July 8. 

King Francis I. terms the new land discovered by Verrazano, from 
Florida to the St. Lawrence Gulf, La Nouvelle France or New 
France, and the Hudson river he names the Grande river. 



Founding. 



1525-1607. 



1525. 

Estevan Gomez, a Spanish navigator, having steered his vessel 
across the ocean to Labrador, coasts southward until off the 
Florida shore, and on his way notices and makes a record of 
the Grande (Hudson) River. 



1540. 



Fur traders from France having sailed in barques as far up the 
Hudson river as its confluence with the Mohawk, erect a 
" castle " or fort, (a fortified trading-house) on the island south- 
ward of the site of the future Albany, and on the west side of 
the river ; but before completion the freshet carries the walls 
away. 



1542. 



Jean Allefonsce of Saintonge sails across the ocean to New France 
(Canada), and during the summer coasts southward, passing 
through Long Island Sound and Hell Gate to the mouth of the 
Grande (Hudson) River, writing in his record that French 
fur traders had sailed far up that river to barter with the 
Indians. 



1607. 

Henry Hudson, an English navigator, is sent in command of the 
sailing vessel Hopeful by the Muscovy Company on his first 
voyage of discovery, to sail across the pole to the Spice Islands. 
He reaches the east coast of Greenland at 69 degrees north 
latitude, and sails northward to latitude 73 degrees north, re- 
turning to England in June. 



Founding. 
1608-1609. 



1608. 



Henry Hudson makes his second voyage, trying to discover a north- 
east passage around the world. 

Henry Hudson examines the rare French maps of New France, and 
becoming deeply interested, plans a voyage to America. 



1609. 



The Dutch East India Company engages Henry Hudson to take a 
vessel to seek the Grande (Hudson) river, to inspect its advan- 
tages, and if possible to steer through it to India. Hudson, 
being unacquainted with the Dutch language, employs Jodocus 
Hondius, a Dutch scholar, to draw a contract, which reads as 
follows : " On this eighth of January, in the year of our Lord 
one thousand six hundred and nine, the directors of the East 
India Company of the Chamber of Amsterdam, of the ten 
years' reckoning, of the one part, and Mr. Henry Hudson, 
Englishman, assisted by Jodocus Hondius, of the other part, 
have agreed in manner following, to wit: That the said direct- 
ors shall in the first place equip a small vessel or yacht of about 
thirty lasts (about 6o tons) burden, with which, well provided 
with men, provisions and other necessaries, the aforenamed 
Hudson shall, about the first of April, sail, in order to search 
for a passage by the north, around by the north side of Novaya 
Zemlya, and shall continue thus along that parallel until he 
shall be able to sail southward to the latitude of sixty degrees. 
He shall obtain as much knowledge of the lands as can be done 
without any considerable loss of time, and if it be possible 
return immediately, in order to make a faithful report and rela- 
tion of his voyage to the directors, and to deliver over his jour- 
nals, log-books and charts, together with an account of every- 
thing whatsoever which shall happen to him during the voyage, 
without keeping anything back ; for which said voyage the 
directors shall pay to the said Hudson, as well as for his outfit 
for the said voyage as for the support of his wife and children, 
the sum of eight hundred guilders ($325); and, in case (which 
God prevent) he do not come back or arrive hereabouts within 



8 Founding. 

1609. 

a year, the directors shall further pay to his wife two hundred 
guilders in cash ; and thereupon they shall not be further liable 
to him or his heirs, unless he shall either afterward or within the 
year arrive and have found the passage good and suitable for 
the company to use ; in which the directors shall reward the 
aforenamed Hudson for his dangers, trouble, and knowledge in 
their discretion, with which the before-mentioned Hudson is 
content. And in case the directors think proper to prosecute 
and continue the same voyage, it is stipulated and agreed with 
the aforenamed Hudson, that he shall make his residence in 
this country with his wife and children, and shall enter into'the 
employment of no other than the company, and this at the dis- 
cretion of the directors, who also promise to make him satisfied 
and content for such further service in all justice and equity. 
All without fraud or evil intent. In witness of the truth, 
two contracts are made hereof, of the same tenor, and are sub- 
scribed by both parties and also by Jodocus Hondius as inter- 
preter and witness. Dated as above : Dirk van Os, J. Poppe, 
Henry Hudson. Jodocus Hondius, witness," Jan. 8. 

Henry Hudson sets sail in De Halve Maen (The Half Moon) with a 
crew of twenty English and Dutch sailors, accompanied by 
another vessel, the Good Hope, March 25. 

Sailing out of the Texel, Holland, Hudson steers northerly, 

March 26. 

The Half Moon doubles North Cape, at the northern end of Norway, 
and steers for Nova Zembla; but encounters too much ice to 
proceed, and he holds a council with his men as to whether it 
would be better to cross at the 50th parallel or follow Davis's 
strait, and they choose the former because of the greater 
warmth and lesser likelihood of encountering icebergs, April. 

The Good Hope mutinies and returns home, not caring to cross the 
ocean, April. 

The Half Moon secures a supply of fresh water at the Faroe Islands, 
and stands out for its voyage westward to America, May. 

The Half Moon meets some French fishing-boats on the cod banks, 
and turns its course southward, July 3. 

The Half Moon arrives at Chesapeake bay, August. 

The Half Moon, having arrived in latitude 37 degrees, 45 minutes, 
in the neighborhood of Virginia, turns northward and skirts the 
coast until it finds a good entrance, 40 degrees, 45 minutes, 
north latitude ; perceiving three great rivers at three o'clock in 
the afternoon, he stands for the northernmost, finding there a 
broad, deep channel, (Old style) Sept. 3. 




HENRY HUDSON. 

This English navigator signed a contract on Jan. 8, 1609, with the Dutch 
East India Co. to sail the Half Moon from Holland to America. 



Founding. 9 

1609. 

Henry Hudson aboard the Half Moon passes through the Narrows, 

Sept. 6. 

The Half Moon is attacked by Indians, and John Coleman, one of 
his men, is killed. He is buried on Coleman's point at Sandy 
Hook, Sept. 6. 

The Half Moon enters New York harbor, perceiving it to be safe 
from severe winds, and rides at anchor for the night, 

(Old 'style) Sept. 9. 

At 2 o'clock Henry Hudson weighs anchor in order to begin the 
ascent of the river bearing his name. He proceeds two leagues 
(about six miles) against the wind, and anchors again. Here 
twenty-eight canoes, filled with Indians, squaws and pappooses 
come out from the shore, smoking great tobacco pipes of yellow 
copper and bearing earthen pots with meat therein. Hudson 
secures oysters and beans by barter being wary of their actions 
as savages, (Old style) Sept. 12. 

Hudson weighs anchor at 7 o'clock in the morning, the day being fair 
and the wind northerly, turning four miles into the river, when 
the tide being done he anchors. Four canoes draw up close, but 
he allows no one to come aboard. He buys great stores of 
oysters for trifles. At night he sets the variation of the com- 
pass, finding it to be thirteen degrees. In the afternoon he 
weighs anchor and drifts with the flood tide for two and a half 
leagues, when, at a high point of land, with five fathoms of 
water, he anchors for the night, the bottom being soft ooze, 

(Old style) Sept. 13. 

" The fovr teenth, in the morning being very faire weather, the 
wind southeast, we sayled vp the Riuer twelue leagues, had fiue 
fathoms and fiue fathoms and a quarter lesse; and came to a 
streight between two points, and had eight, nine and ten fath- 
oms: and it trended north-east by north, one league, and we had 
twelue, thirteene, and fourteene fathoms. The Riuer is a mile 
broad : there is very high land on both sides. Then wee went vp 
north-west, a league and an halfe deepe water. Then north- 
east by north fiue miles, then north-west by north two leagues, 
and anchored. The land grew very high and mountainous. The 
river is full of fish, (Old style) Sept. 14. 

"The fifteenth, in the morning was misty vntil the Sunne arose: 
then it cleared. So wee weighed with the wind at south, and 
ran vp into the Riuer, twentie leagues, passing by high Mount- 
ains. Wee had a very good depth, as six, seuen, eight, nine, 
twelue and thirteen fathoms, and great store of salmons in the 



lo Founding. 

1609. 

Riuer. This morning our two Sauages got out of a port and 
swam away. After we were under sayle they called to vs in 
scorne. At night we came to other Mountains, which lie from 
the Riuer side. There we found very louing people, and very 
old men: where wee were well vsed. Our Boat went to fish, 
and caught great store of very good fish." Sept. 15. 

" The sixteenth, faire and very hot weather. In the morning our 
Boat went againe to fishing, but could catch but few, by reason 
their Canoes had beene there all night. This morning the peo- 
ple came aboord, and brought vs eares of Indian Corne, and 
Pompions, and Tobacco : which wee bought for trifles. Wee 
rode still all day, and filled fresh water ; at night wee weighed 
and went two leagues higher, and had shoald water : so wee 
anchored till day," Sept. 16. 

■' The seuenteenth, faire Sun-shining weather, and very hot. In the 
morning as soon as the Sun was vp, we set sayle, and run up 
six leagues higher, and found shoalds in the middle of the 
channell, and small Hands, but seuen fathoms water on both 
sides. Toward night we borrowed so neere the shoare, that 
we grounded : so we layed out our small anchor, and heaued 
off againe. Then we borrowed on the banke in the channell, 
and came aground againe : while the floud ran we heaued 
ofif againe, and anchored all night," Sept. 17. 

" The eighteenth, in the morning was faire weather, and we rode 
still. In the after-noone our Master's Mate went on land 
with an old Sauage, a Gouernor of the Countrey ; who carried 
him to his house and made him good cheere," Sept. 18. 

" The nineteenth, was faire and hot weather : at the flood, being 
neere eleuen of the clocke, we weighed, and ran higher vp two 
leagues aboue the shoalds, and had no lesse water than fiue 
fathoms : we anchored, and rode in eight fathoms. The 
people of the countrie came flocking aboord, and brought vs 
Grapes, and Pompions, which we bought for trifles. And 
many brought vs Beuers skinnes, and Otters skinnes, which 
wee bought for Beades, Kniues, and Hatchets. So we rode 
there all night," Sept. 19. 

" The twentieth, in the morning was fare weather. Our Masters 
Mate with four men more went vp with our Boat to sound the 
Riuer, and found two leagues above vs but two fathoms 
water, and the channell very narrow ; and aboue that place 
seuen or eight fathoms. Toward night they returned ; and 
we rode still all night," Sept. 20. 




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1609. 

" The one and twentieth was faire weather, and the wind all 
southerly: wee determined yet once more to goe farther up 
into the Riuer to trie what depth and breadth it did beare; 
but much people resorted aboord, so wee went not this day. 
Our carpenter went on land and made a fore-yard. And our 
Master and his Mate determined to trie some of the chiefe 
men of the countrey, whether they had any treacherie in them. 
So they took them down into the cabbin, and gave them as 
much wine and aqua vitae, that they were all merrie ; and one 
of them had his wife with him, which sat so modestly, as any 
of our countrey women would do in a strange place. In the 
end one of them was drunke, which had been aboord of our 
ship all the time that wee had been there : and that was 
strange to them; for they could not tell how to take it. The 
canoes and folke went all on shoare ; but some of them came 
againe, and brought stropes of Beades : some had six, seuen. 
eight, nine, ten ; and gaue him. So he slept all night quietly," 

vSept. 21. 

" The two and twentieth was faire weather : in the morning our 
Masters Alate and foure more of the companie went vp with 
our Boat to sound the riuer higher vp. The people of the 
countrey came not aboord till noone : but when they came, 
and saw the Sauages well, they were glad. So at three of 
the clocke in the after-noone they came aboord, and brought 
Tabacco, and more Beades, and gaue them to our Master, and 
made an oration, and shewed him all the countrey round about. 
Then they sent one of their companie on land, who presently 
returned, and brought a great Platter full of Venison, dressed 
by themselues; and they caused him to eat with them: then 
they made him reuerence, and departed all saue the old man 
that lay aboord. This night at ten of the clocke, our Boate 
returned in a showre of raine from sounding of the Riuer; and 
found it to be at an end for shipping to goe in. For they had 
beene vp eight or nine leagues, and found but seuen foot water 
and unconstant soundings," Sept. 22. 

Henry Hudson's log makes the latitude of the location where he had 
been at anchor for four days, about 42 degree 40 minutes. 
The latitude of Albany, City Hall ( Fagle street and Maiden 
Lane) is 42 degrees, 39 minutes, 6 -^r, seconds. Evidently he 
rode at anchor, as his furthest north point on the Hudson 
River, at a place somewhere near Cuyler or Pleasure Island, 
if his bearings were accurate ; but one must remember that even 
modern reckonings by sailors may be two miles from the true, 



12 Founding. 

1609. 

and the ancient mariners were frequently one-fourth of a de- 
gree, or about 15 miles, out of the way. One must also bear 
in mind that 42 degrees, 39 minutes, 6-1-0 seconds at the City 
Hall corner does not mean that latitude where Maiden Lane 
ends at the river, for the street does not run true east and west ; 
but would be nearer the foot of Steuben street, Sept. 22. 

" The three and twentieth faire weather. At twelue of the clocke 
wee weighed, and went downe two leagues to a shoal that had 
two channells (Castleton?) one on the one side, and another 
on the other, and had little wind, whereby the tide layed vs 
upon it. So, there wee sate on the ground the space of an 
houre till the floude came. Then wee had a little gale of wind 
at the west. So we got our ship into deepe water and rode 
all night very well," Sept. 23. 

" The foure and twentieth was faire weather : the winde at the 
north-west, wee weighed and went downe the Riuer seuen or 
eight leagues : and at halfe ebb wee came on ground on a 
bank of oze in the middle of the Riuer (The Plaaje, off Cats- 
kill?), and sate there till floud. Then wee went on land, and 
gathered good store of chestnuts. At ten of the clocke wee 
came off into deepe water, and anchored," Sept. 24. 

" The five and twentieth was faire weather, and the wind at south 
a stiffe gale. We rode still, and went on land to walke on the 
west side of the Riuer, and found good ground for Corne, and 
other garden herbs, with great store of goodly oakes, and 
walnut trees, and chestnut trees, ewe trees, and trees of sweet 
wood in great abundance, and great store of slate for houses, 
and o'ther good stones," Sept. 25. 

" The sixe and twentieth was faire weather^ and the wind at south 
a stiffe gale, we rode still. In the morning our carpenter went 
on land with our Masters Mate, and foure more of our 
companie to cut wood. This morning two canoes came vp the 
Riuer from the place where we first found louing people, 
and in one of them was the old man that had lyen aboord of 
vs at the other place. He brought another old man with him, 
which brought more stropes of beades, and gave them to our 
Master, and shewed him all the countrey there about, as though 
it were at his command. So he made the two old men dine 
with him, and the old mans wife ; for they brought two old 
women, and two young maidens of the age of sixteene or 
seuenteene yeeres with them, who behaued themselues very 
modestly. Our Master gaue one of the old men a Knife, and 
they gaue him and vs Tabacco. And at one of the clocke 



Founding. 13 

1609. 

they departed downe the Riuer, making signes that wee should 
come downe to them ; fore wee were within two leagues of the 
place where they dwelt," Sept. 26. 

'At seuen and twentieth, in the morning was faire weather, but 
much wind at the north, we weighed and set our fore top-sayle, 
and our ship would not flat, but ran on the ozie bank at halfe 
ebbe. Wee layed out anchor to heaue her off, but could not. 
So wee sate from halfe floud : then wee set our fore-sayle and 
mayne top-sayle, and got down sixe leagues. The old man 
came aboord and would have had vs anchor, and goe on land 
to eat with him: but the wind being faire, we would not 
yeeld to his request. So hee left vs, being very sorrowful for 
our departure. At fiue of the clocke in the afternoone, the 
wind came to the south-south-west. So wee made a boord or 
two, and anchored in fourteene fathoms water. Then our 
Boat went on shoare to fish, right against the ship. Our 
Masters Mate and Boatswaine, and three more of the companie 
went on land to fish, but could not find a good place. They 
took foure or fiue and twenty Mullets, Breames, Bases, and 
Barbils; and returned in an houre. Wee rode still all night," 

Sept. 27. 

" The eight and twentieth being faire weather, as soon as the day 
was light, we weighed at halfe ebbe, and turned downe two 
leagues belowe water; for the streame doth runne the last 
quarter ebbe : then we anchored till high water. At three 
of the clocke in the afternoone wee weighed, and turned downe 
three leagues, vntil it was darke ; then wee anchored," 

Sept. 28. 

" The nine and twentieth was drie close weather : the wind at 
south and south by west, wee weighed early in the morning, 
and turned downe three leagues by a lowe water, and anchored 
at the lower end of the long Reach ; for it is sixe leagues 
long. Then there came certain Indians in a canoe to vs, but 
would not come aboord. After dinner there came the canoe 
with other men, whereof three came aboord vs. They brought 
Indian wheat, which wee bought for trifles. At three of the 
clocke in the afternoone we weighed, as soon as the ebbe came, 
and turned downe to the edge of the Mountaines, or the 
northermost of the Mountaines, and anchored : because the 
high land hath many points, and a narrow channell, and hath 
many eddie winds. So wee rode quietly all night in seuen 
fathoms water," Sept. 29. 



14 Founding. 

1609. 

" The thirtieth was faire weather, and the wind at south-east a 
stifi'e g-ale between the IMountaines. We rode still the after- 
noone. The people of the countrey came aboord vs, and 
bronglit some small skinnes with them, which we bought for 
kniues and trifles. This is a very pleasant place to build a towne 
on. The road is every neere, and very good for all winds, saue 
an east-north-east wind. The Mountaynes look as if some 
metall or minerall were in them. For the trees that grew on 
them were all blasted, and some of them barren, with few or 
no trees on them. The people brought a stone aboord like 
to emery (a stone vsed by glasiers to cut glasse), it would 
cut iron or Steele. Yet being bruised small, and water put 
to it, it made a colour like blacke lead glistening; it is also 
good for painters colours. At three of the clocke they departed, 
and we rode still all night," Sept. 30. 

" The first of October, faire weather, the winde variable betweene 
the west and the north. In the morning wee weighed at seuen 
of the clocke with the ebbe, and got downe below the moun- 
taynes, which was seuen leagues. Then it fell calme and the 
flood was come, and wee anchored at twelue of the clocke. 
The people of the Mountaynes came aboord vs. wondering 
at our ship and weapons. We bought some small skinnes of 
them for trifles. This afternoone, one canoe kept hanging vnder 
our Sterne with one man in it^ which wee could not keepe 
from thence, who got vp by our rudder to the cabin window, 
and stole out my pillow and two shirts, and two bandeleeres. 
Our master shot at him, and strooke him on the brest, and 
killed him. Whereupon all the rest fled away, some in their 
canoes, and some leapt out of them into the water. We manned 
our boat, and got our things againe. Then one of them that 
swamme got hold of our boat, thinking to overthrow it. But 
our cooke took a sword, and cut off one of his hands, and he 
was drowned. By this time the ebbe was come, and wee 
weighed and got downe two leagues, by that time it was darke. 
So we anchored in foure fathomes water, and rode v/ell." 

Oct. I. 

" The seconde, faire weather. At break of day wee weighed, the 
wind being at north-west, and got downe seuen leagues ; 
then the floud was come strong, so we anchored. Then came 
one of the Sauages that swamme from vs at our going vp the 
Riuer with many other, thinking to betray vs. But wee 
perceived their intent, and svffered none of them to enter our 
ship. Whercu]:)on two canoes full of men, with their bowes 



Founding. 15 

1609. 

and arrowes shot at vs after our sterne : in recompence whereof 
wee discharged sixe muskets, and killed two or three of them. 
Then aboue an hundred of them came to a point of land to shoot 
at vs. There I shot a falcon at them, and killed two of them : 
whereupon the rest fled into the woods. Yet they manned off 
another canoe with nine or ten men, which came to meet vs. 
So I shot at it also a falcon, and shot it through and killed 
one of them. Then our men with their muskets killed three or 
foure more of them. So they went their way ; within a while 
after, wee got downe two leagues beyond that place, and 
anchored in a bay, cleere from all danger of them on the other 
side of the Riuer, where wee saw a very good piece of ground : 
and hard by it there was a cliffe, that looked of the colour of 
a white greene, as though it were either copper, or siluer myne : 
and I think it to be one of them by the trees tliat grow vpon 
it. For they be all burned, and the other places are greene 
as grasse, it is on that side of the Riuer that is called Manna- 
hatta. There wee saw no people to trouble vs : and rode 
quietly all night; but had much wind and raine," (Jet. 2, 1609. 

" The third, was very stormie ; the wind at east-north-east. In the 
morning, in a gust of wind and raine, our anchor came home, 
and wee droue on ground, but it was ozie. Then as we were 
about to haue out an anchor, the wind came to the north- 
north-west, and droue vs off againe. Then wee shot an anchor, 
and let it fall in foure fathomes water, and weighed the other. 
Wee had much wind and raine, with thicke weather, so wee 
rode still all night," Oct. 3. 

" The fourth, was faire weather, and the wind at north-north-west, 
wee weighed and came out of the Riuer, into which wee had 
runne so farre. Within a while after wee came out also of 
the great mouth of the great Riuer, that runneth vp to the 
north-west, borrowing vpon the norther side of the same, think- 
ing it to haue deepe water: for wee had sounded a great way 
with our boat at our first going in, and found seuen, sixe, and 
fine fathomes. So wee came out that way, but wee were 
deceiued, for wee had but eight foot and an halfe water : and 
so to three, fine, three, and two fathomes and an halfe. And 
then three, foure, fine, sixe, seuen, eight, nine and ten fathomes. 
And by twelue of the clocke we were cleere of all the inlet. 
Then wee took in our boat, and set our mayne-sayle and sprit- 
sayle, and our top-sayles, and steered away east-south-east, 
and south-east by east, off into the mayne sea: and the land 
on the souther side of the bay or inlet, did beare at noone west 
and bv south foure leagues from vs," Oct. 4. 



i6 Founding. 

1609-1614. 



" The fifth, was faire weather, and the wind variable between the 
north and the east. Wee held on our course south-east by east. 
At noone I observed and found our height to bee 39 degrees 
30 minutes. Our compasse varied sixe degrees to the west," 

Oct. 5. 

" We continued our course toward England, without seeing any 
land by the way all this moneth," Oct. i. 

" On the seuenth day of November, stilo nouo, being Saturday, 
by the Grace of God, we safely arriued in the Range of Dart- 
mouth, in Deuonshire," Nov. 7. 



1610. 

Some of Hudson's crew, impressed by the abundance of everything 
they had seen along the Grande (Hudson's) river, persuado, 
Amsterdam merchants of the advantage of sending a vessel 
there to exchange Holland manufactures for skins, and they 
do so. The Maquaas (Mohawk Indians) pointing out to them 
on their arrival the remains of the chateau on Castle Island 
that had been started, they making notes of the measurements. 

Henry Hudson sails on his third voyage across the Atlantic, hoping 
to find a northwest passage, and he enters Hudson Strait and 
Hudson Bay, the Discovery wintering in Jacques Bay. 



1611. 

Henry Hudson, when about to return to Holland, experiences a 
mutiny on his vessel ; his crew bind him, and with eight others 
he is set afloat in a small boat on Hudson Bay, never to be 
heard from afterwards, June 23. 



1614. 

A manuscript map, three feet long, made this year (or possibly two 
years earlier) probably by one of Henry Hudson's companions, 
and styled the " Carte Figurative," is attached to a petition of 
a number of Dutch merchants, syndicated together, requesting 




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Founding. 17 

1614-1615. 

the States-General to issue a license granting to them the ex- 
clusive privilege of trading along the Mauritius (Hudson) 
River. It shows " Fort Xassoureen " on an island far up the 
" Riviere vanden Vorst Mauritius," to the east of a settlement 
of the ■' Maquaas," or Mohawk Indians, on the river of that 
name. 
The Lx)rds States-General of Holland grant a special license to a 
number of Dutch fur-traders to make four trips within the 
space of three years from Jan. i, 161 5, or earlier, to Xieu 
Nederlandt, with exclusive right to traffic with the natives, 
the Dutchmen uniting in one company for the purpose, and 
stated in the document as follows : " Gerrit Jacob \\^itsen, 
former burgomaster of the City of Amsterdam, Jones Witsen 
and Simon Morissen, owners of the ship called Bet \'osje 
(Little Foxj, Captain Jarn de Witt, master; Hans Hongers, 
Paul Pelgrom and Lambrecht van Tweenhuysen. owners of 
the two ships called the Tiger and the Fortune, Captains 
Adriaen Block and Hendrick Corstiaensen, masters ; Arnoudt 
van Lyberg, Wessel Schenck, Hans Claessen and Barens 
Sweetsen, owners of the ship Xochtegael (Xightingalej, Captain 
Thuys Volckertsen, merchant in the cit}^ of Amsterdam, master ; 
and Pieter Clementsen Brouwer, Jan Clementsen Kies. and 
Cornells \'olkertsen, merchants in the cit}' of Hoorn, owners 
of the ship the Fortune, Captain Cornells Jacobsen Mey, 
master," given under seal and signature of the secretar}^ at 
The Hague, Oct. 1 1 



1615. 



The Dutch company of fur-traders send Hendrick Corstiaensen of 
Amsterdam, an expert navigator, to the Grande (Hudson's) 
river, now named De Riviere van den \"'orst ^lauritius. or 
Prince Maurice's River. 

Hendrick Corstiaensen removes the debris collected in the ruins of 
the old French fur-traders' fort or store-house of 1540, on 
Castle Island (Van Rensselaer) south of the cit}' and bordering 
the western bank, and rebuilds it, calling it Fort X'assouw or 
Fort X'assau, in honor of Prince Maurice, Prince of Xassau- 
Orange. Its length is 36 feet and its breadth 26 feet; around 
it a strong stockade, 50 feet square, encircled by a moat 18 



Founding. 
1615-1620. 



feet wide, the defense consisting of two pieces of cannon and 
II guns to hurl stone in default of cannon-balls, mounted on 
swivels, the garrison consisting of 12 men. 



1616. 

Hendrick Corstiaensen is shot dead by a man named Orson, from 
Holland, who had accompanied Adriaen Block, a Dutch navi- 
gator, to Fort Nassau and who had frequently manifested a re- 
sentment toward his superior, described by the historian, Nic- 
olaes a Wassenaer, of Amsterdam, as " an exceedingly malig- 
nant wretch ; " but he is in turn shot as he seeks to get out of 
range. 

Jacob Jacobz Eelkens, subordinate officer under the late Corstiaen- 
sen, is given command of Fort Nassau. 



1618. 

The exclusive right to trade at Fort Nassau on the Mauritius 
(Hudson) River, given on Jan. i, 161 5, by the Lords States- 
General, expires, Jan. i. 

Fort Nassau, built by Corstiaensen on Castle (Van Rensselaer) 
Island in 161 5 is wrecked by the freshet, and is abandoned 
forever bv the Dutch. 



1620. 

Some English Puritans at Leyden make known to the Holland 
merchants trading in America through Rev. John Robinson, 
their desire to go to the new country as colonists if given 
protection, and these merchants write to the Prince of Orange 
expressive of the wish, and also forward a memorial to the 
same effect to the Lords States-General, February. 

The Pilgrims who desired protection of Holland if they settled 
along the Hudson River at the sites of Albany or New York, 
not receiving a reply to their petition, set sail for New England, 
and arrive at Plymouth, Dec. 21. 



Founding. 19 

1621-1623. 



1621. 



The Dutch West India Company given charter under the seal of the 
Lords States-General of Holland, June 3. 

The charter given the Dutch West India Co. on June 3rd confers 
on that corporation from this day, through a period of 24 years, 
the exclusive privilege of trading on the African coast, in the 
West Indies and in America ; the right to make contracts with 
parties and alliances with nations concerned in the countries 
named, and should troops be required the Lords States-General 
would furnish, but the company pay the expense of the same, 

July I. 



1622. 

French Protestants at Amsterdam, called Walloons, who had 
escaped persecutions of the Spanish Inquisition by fleeing and 
settling in the southern Belgic provinces, Hainault, Luxemburg 
and Namur, were an industrious lot and liked by the Dutch. 
Their petition, that 60 families, or about 600 persons, be per- 
mitted to sail to the English colony in Virginia, is signed by 
Jesse de Forest and is sent to the British ambassador at The 
Hague, Feb. 5. 



1623. 

The Dutch West India Company, hearing of the desire of the 
Walloons to settle in the English colony in Virginia, persuades 
them that the opportunities are superior in New Nether- 
land, and they agree; but there is doubt whether the King of 
Spain, claiming the whole country, will not oppose their land- 
ing, and fear it will be necessary to erect forts for their pro- 
tection. 

The Dutch vessel. Mackerel, sails from Holland for New Nether- 
land, June 16. 

The Lords States-General approve the rules of the Dutch West 
India Co. (chartered June 3, 1621) and the latter body legally 
is prepared to proceed with colonization, June 21. 

The Mackerel arrives on this side and anchors at the mouth of the 
Mauritius (Hudson) River for the winter, Dec. 12. 



20 Founding. 

1624. 

1624. 



The Walloons, to the number of 30 families, embark aboard the 
Nieu Nederlandt, a vessel of 130 lasts, of which Cornells 
Jacobsen Mey (or May), of Hoorn is captain, and sail from 
Amsterdam, March. 

The Nieu Nederlandt reaches the Canary Islands, and gaining the 
trade winds, stands for the Bahamas, April. 

The Nieu Nederlandt. having passed between the Bahamas and 
Bermuda Islands, steered up the coast, and passes in at Sand- 
punt (Sandy Hook), anchoring in the bay of the ^Mauritius 
(Hudson) River, where Captain Mey is much surprised to see 
a vessel with the flag of France near the Dutch vessel, the 
Mackerel, May. 

Captain Mey learns that the Frenchman had come to erect the arms 
of the King of France at that place (Manhattan), and, asserting 
the authority of the Charter of the Lords States-General of 
Holland, he unites with the Mackerel in manning a yacht to 
convoy the Frenchman from the river. May. 

Captain Mey of the Nieu Nederlandt lands some of the Walloons 
at the island of Mannatans (Manhattan) and with the rest, 
about 18 families, sails up the river to the locality of the 
Maquaas (Mohawks) and Mohegans, the former at the con- 
fluence of Mohawk and Hudson rivers, mostly on the south 
side and on the islands, and the latter across the river opposite 
the site of Albany, landing them on a plain north of Castle 
(Van Rensselaer) Island, and to the east of graduallv sloping- 
hills. ' May. 

The newly arrived colonists hew trees with which to make humble 
huts for temporary shelter, and plant their corn upon the sandy 
plain, enriched by centuries of alluvial deposit from the river 
in the spring, making a covenant of peaceful equity with the 
neighboring Indians, June- 

While some are building homes, others engage in constructing a 
fort, which they name Fort Orange, in honor of ^laurice. 
Prince of Orange, a principality, 9x12 miles in area, in south- 
eastern France, situate along the east bank of the Rhone River, 
then in possession of the House of Nassau, Jime. 

Adriaen Jorise made commander of Fort Orange and Daniel van 
Krieckebeek the commissar}^, J^ily- 

The Mackerel arrives back at Amsterdam, loaded with many furs, 
and bearing the rc]iort of Captain ^Nley on the colony, also 




PRINCE OF ORANGE. 

No sooner had the colonists arrived on the Nieu Nederlandt from 
Amsterdam, at site of Albany, in May, 1624, than they began erecting a 
fort (Steamboat Square) named Fort Orange, after Prince Maurice. 



Founding. 21 

1624-162 5. 



letters from the Walloon settlers, an example of which, exciting 
the interest of the Dutch to come to the new land, reads; 
" We were greatly surprised when we arrived in this country. 
Here we found beautiful rivers, bubbling streams flowing dow^i 
into the valleys, pools of running water in the meadows, 
palatable fruits in the forests, strawberries, pigeon-berries, 
walnuts and wild grapes. Acorns for feeding hogs are plenti- 
ful in the woods, as is also venison, and there are large fish 
in the rivers. The land is good for farming. Here is especi- 
ally the liberty of coming and going without fear of the naked 
natives of the country. Had we cows, hogs, and other animals 
fit for food, (which we daily expect in the first ship,) we 
would not wish to return to Holland, for whatever we desire 
in the paradise of Holland is found here. If you will come 
here with your family, you will not regret it," August, 1624. 

During the fall, the colonists observe for the first time the workings 
of the beavers in making their winter homes, which being in 
streams, they make accessible to themselves during the coldest 
of those months by damming the creeks, Normanskill, Foxen- 
kill, Ruttenkill, and others coursing down the valleys, so that 
the stream will not freeze to the bottom because of the depth 
of water they secure, and thus, with an opening at the bottom 
of the hut or dome-shaped lodge, they can follow an under- 
ground waterway to a convenient place on shore. In such 
places where the current is swift, they notice that their dams 
formed the letter " V," with the point upstream, thus to break 
the force of the water or ice, but otherwise in a direct line 
from bank to bank. The trees of their lodges they perceive 
were usually six jiclies thick, posts which they had gnawed 
pyramidal, until the tree would fall, and the mass usually 
reached six feet, m which two couples would make their home, 
and in the tollowing May bring forth two to four young for 
each mated couple, September. 

The Nieu Nederlandt sails from Fort Orange, the harvest being 
well advanced, with 1,500 beaver and 500 otter skins, 

November. 



1625. 



The Dutch West India Company constitutes William Verhulst resi- 
dent-director for the year, taking into account the river being 
frozen over and Captain Mey absent on a voyage. 



22 Founding. 

1625-1626. 



Korty-five emigrants, excited by the news of the wonderful pro- 
ductivity of the new land in America along the Hudson, register 
with the Dutch West India Company, and they are sent over, 
together with agricultural implements, horses, swine, etc., in 
the spring. 



1626. 



The Dutch West India Company decides to plant a colony on the 
island at the mouth of the Mauritius (Hudson) River, and 
purchases the entire island (Manhattan) from the Indians for 
6o guilders, equivalent to $24, April. 

Peter Minuit, of Wesel, arrives from Holland and becomes fourth 
director for the Dutch West India Company in New Nether- 
land, making his headquarters on Manhattan Island, 

May 4. 

The southern point of Manhattan Island is selected as a site for a 
fort, the company's engineer staking it out, and close at hand 
thirty bark cabins are built by the Dutch settlers, the popula- 
tion of all the settlements in New Netherland at this time being 
about two hundred, June. 

Jan Huyck and Sebastiaen Jansen Crol (or Krol) act as the kranck- 
besoeckers (sick-comforters) or clergy for the colony at New 
Amsterdam (Manhattan, New York city), Jwly- 

The settlement of Fort Orange seriously thinned out this year be- 
cause of the scare resulting from a fight between the ]\Iohegans 
(Mohicans) on the top of the hill opposite (site of Albany) 
and the Maquaas (Mohawks) to the west of Fort Orange, many 
of the few inhabitants sailing down the river to dwell at New 
Amsterdam. The Mohegans of the palisaded fort made over- 
tures to Van Krieckebeek, commander of Fort Orange garrison, 
to aid them, which he did, taking 6 soldiers along v "th them ; 
but they were repulsed when a mile west of Fort Orange (about 
the site of Buttermilk Falls, Beaver Park and Delaware ave.) 
by a band of Mohawks in ambuscade, three of the Dutch com- 
mander's men and himself being among the many slain, and 
one of these, Tymen Bouwensen, the Mohawks roasted and de- 
voured ; the others they simply burned, and Commander Van 
Krieckebeek is buried with the two others bv his side. The 



Founding. 2^^ 

1626-1629. 

Mohawks " carry a leg and an arm to their home to be divided 
among their families as a proof they had conquered their ene- 
"^^^^•" August. 

Peter Mmuit, m May of this year, succeeded William Verhulst as 
the fourth to command the settlers at New Amsterdam, and on 
this day The Arms of Amsterdam sails for Holland bearing a 
letter with the statement that he had bought Manhattan Island 
("manatey," island; " manhattanis," those who dwell on an 
island) from the Dela wares, a strong branch of the powerful 
Lenni-Lenape confederacy, for 60 guilders in beads and ribbons, 
equal in value to $24, Sept 2^ 

P. Schagen writes to their High and Mightinesses that The Arms of 
Amsterdam had arrived the previous day with the news that 
Manhattan Island had been bought for $24 in beads from the 
Indians by Peter Minuit, Director of New Netherland, Nov. 5. 



1 627. 



The Mohawks and Mohicans continue their warfare between the 
Mohawk (at Schenectady) and for a few miles east of the Hud- 
son River, opposite site of Albany, as far as Kinderhook, to the 
east. 



1628. 



The Indian warfare at this place ceases, the Mohawks becoming the 
conquerors, and driving the survivors of the Mohicans to the 
Connecticut River. 



1 629. 



The Dutch West India Company decides that it had been at great 
expense in establishing fur-trading settlement in New Nether- 
land (New York state), with forts, garrisons and ships con- 
suming the profits, and discontinues sending settlers. 



U4 Founding. 

1629- 1630. 



The Dutch West India Company, forsaking the settlement policy, 
adopts the idea of allowing patroons to divide the land into 
manorial grants, and the Lords States-General at The Hague, 
Holland, ratifies the plan, which provides that a person desiring 
to establish a manor shall first notify the company and then, 
within the space of four years, settle upon the land selected at 
least fifty persons of at least the age of fifteen years ; but the 
land could not be taken possession of until the Indian owners 
had received satisfactory compensation, whereupon he obtains 
full ownership and the right to dispose of the same ; the com- 
mand to be vested in the Patroon, and no one should be allowed 
to hunt of fish, or own mills along the streams without obtain- 
ing the Patroon's consent ; Patroons might trade along the 
coast in merchandise other than skins, which the company re- 
served as a business to itself ; but their vessels on returning with 
goods must pay a duty of 5% to the West India Company; 
should the colonists weave woolen or other stufifs, they would 
be banished, June 7. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, a pearl and diamond merchant, and director 
of the Amsterdam chamber, is the first to take advantage of the 
opportunity to develop a colony under the new privilege of the 
Dutch West India Company, and it formally confers on him the 
right to plant a colony in New Netherland, Nov. 19. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer writes from Amsterdam to Sebastiaen Jan- 
sen Crol, at Fort Orange, to purchase a tract of land for him 
from the Mohawks, November. 



1630. 



Gillis van Schendel is paid by the Van Rensselaers 6 Rix dollars for 
making one parchment map and four duplicates on paper, of 
the place selected by Kiliaen A^an Rensselaer for his colony, 
which ma]) Kiliaen Van Rensselaer uses in inducing people to 
cross the water to form his colony, Feb. 8. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, having raised his quota of men required 
by their charter to form a colony on his Manor, they sail from 
Holland on the ship Unity, which Jan Brouwer commands, 

March 21. 

The ship Unity arrives at Fort Amsterdam (Manhattan) and pro- 
ceeds up the river to Fort Orange to found Rensselaerswyck, 

May 24. 




PATROON KILIAEN VAN RENSSELAER. 

He bought from the Indians his important tract that included the site of 
Albany, on July 2"] , 1630, through his agent here. (Oil portrait owned in 
1906 by Dr. Howard Van Rensselaer, Albany.) 



Founding. 25 

1630. 

Patroon Kiliaen Van Rensselaer having authorized Sebastiaen J. 
Crol to buy land for him, he selects it on the west bank of the 
Hudson (site of Albany), and signs papers with the Mohawks 
acquiring land from Fort Orange northward to an east and 
west line a little south of the Indian Moenemines Castle, close 
to the Cohoes Falls, likewise for the large tract on the east 
side of the Hudson River, opposite Fort Orange, " from Peta- 
nock, the Molenkill, northward to Negagonse, in extent there 
about three Dutch miles," July 27. 

Commander Sebastiaen Jansen Crol points out the land he had 
bought for Kiliaen Van Rensselaer from the Mohawks, where 
the emigrants are to settle and found the Manor of Rensselaers- 
wyck, June i. 

Roelof Jansen, with his wife Anneke Jansen (Anna, as she some- 
times wrote it, later the owners of the Trinity Church property 
in New York city) comes to Rensselaerswyck with the emi- 
grants sent over by Patroon Van Rensselaer to be employed as 
his farmer for a term of six years at 180 guilders (about $72) 
a year. 

The Patroon's first farm cultivated was placed in charge of Wolfert 
Gerrittsen as opper-bouwmeester (chief farm-master), he re- 
ceiving 20 guilders ($8) and board per month, and he was to 
be assisted by bouwknecht (farmhand), paid anywhere from 
25 to 120 guilders ($10 to $48) a year, the poorer being obli- 
gated to pay the Patroon for clothing advanced a certain portion 
of the produce, and they live in huts until the Patroon erects 
ordinary dwellings, the rental of a farm with dwelling being 
from about $120 to $200 yearly, payable in beaver-skins or 
seawant, or a tenth of the grain raised with half the increase of 
cattle, fat fowl, butter, also the cutting of a specified amount of 
wood and certain number of days of labor; bargaming that 
property of a tenant dying intestate reverted to the Patroon, 
the Patroon had the right to purchase cattle or grain of tenants 
before anyone else, and grain must be ground at the Patroon's 
mill ; all disputes must be settled by court of the Manor without 
right to further appeal, 2 gerechts-persoonen (magistrates) and 
the commissary-general forming the court, its other officers 
being the schout (sheriff) and scherprechter (hangman). 

The Director and Council of New Netherland sign for Kiliaen Van 
Rensselaer the deed by which the Indians transfer the land on 
which Albany is built, in consideration of " certain parcels of 
goods," Aug. 13. 



26 Founding. 

1631-1633. 



163 1. 

Kiliaen Var? Rensselaer forms a limited partnership with Samr.el 
Godyn Johannes de Laet and Samuel Blommaert of the 
Amsterdam Chamber of the Dutch West India Company, 

Gillis Hossett confers with the Indians encamped near Fort 
Orange, and they convey to Kiliaen Van Rensselaer the Sanck- 
hagag tract on the west bank of the Hudson, from Beeren 
( Bears) Island northward to Smacks Island, " two days' journey 
inland " broad, April i8. 



1632. 



John Mason writes to Secretary Coke that the Dutch at Fort Orange 
and Manhattan Island will not heed the admonishings of the 
English colony at Plymouth who had settled on the coast De- 
cember 21, 1620, but persist in making more and more Dutch 
settlements, against all royal (English) grant, along the Hud- 
son River, villifying them when told that they must not do so, 
and tauntingly praising Holland, April 2. 



1633. 



London merchants infringe upon the rights of the West India Com- 
pany by sending a ship under Jacob Eelkens, who had previously 
commanded at Fort Nassau, April. 

The Englishmen's ship, the William, arrives at the Fort Orange 
wharf, and the commander of the fort, Hans Jorissen Houten, 
sends an officer to inquire her object in coming, it being the 
first English vessel to arrive at the Dutch colony, and learns 
they propose to barter for furs, Captain Trevor claiming that 
the territory belonged to Great Britain, based on the 1497 dis- 
covery of the Cabots as well as the grant by Queen Elizabeth in 
1584 to Sir Walter Raleigh; but he is admonished to depart. 
Captain Trevor appears to obey Commander Houten ; but sails 
only a short distance down the river when he casts anchor 
near the west bank, where he pitches a tent, and the Indians 
who had known Eelkens in past years, flock there to trade, 

April. 



Founding. 27 

1633-1636. 



The colonists "of the West India Company are surprised at the act 
of the Englishmen, and feeling unable to cope with their force, 
conclude that the best means is to set up a tent nearby in com- 
petition, berating the quality of the English goods and selling 
lower, April. 

Wouter van Twiller arrives as the Director for the Dutch West 
India Company at New Amsterdam (New York city) and as- 
sumes charge, April. 



1 634. 



The trapping of beavers and otters for their skins is active at this 
time, engaging the attention of everyone in the colony except- 
ing those who were occupied with tilling the soil, it being 
necessary to produce crops. Sawmills, to provide timber for 
building more houses, smithies and toolmakers or repairers like- 
wise finding much business, while the selling of liquor was con- 
ducted extensively, with possibly more customers among the 
Indians coming into the settlements to trade than among the 
Dutch themselves. 



1635. 



There is much reaching- out for land by those who had the means 
to purchase, but there are few sufficiently wealthy to attempt 
to secure a tract, confining their immediate aspirations to a lot 
or small farm. Among the rich, or those who represented 
. foreign capital, it becomes a question who will be able to secure 
tracts measured by miles while it may be secured from the 
Indians for a bagful of imitation wampum, knives or a few 
axes, in fact a farm over which a man might not walk in a day 
might be had not far from Eort Orange by going to the north- 
east or westward, for the equivalent of a thousand dollars. 



1 636. 



Roelof Jansen and wife, Anneke, who had come from Maesterlandt, 
Holland, and settled on a Rensselaerswyck farm as one of the 
Manor colonists, obtain letters-patent for 31 morgens of farm 



28 Founding. 

1636-1638. 



land at New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island (about 62 acres) 
from Director-General Van Twiller. (Later this becomes con- 
tested ground by the Trinity Church Corporation and the ma;:y 
descendants of Anneke Janse.) 



1 637. 



The Patroon, Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, sends authority to Jacob 
Albertzsen Planck, Rensselaerswyck's first sheriff, to buy addi- 
tional land from the Indians, desiring an intervening tract that 
should piece out his property on the east side of the river until 
it joined the land that stretched to the east and west line run- 
ning through Moenemines Castle on Haver Island, at the mouth 
of the Mohawk, being a district called Papsickenekaas or Paps- 
skanea, extending south from opposite Castle Island (just below 
Albany) to the point opposite Smackx Island, and including 
the adjacent islands, and all the lands back into the interior, 
belonging to the Indian owners, " for certain quantities of 
duffels, axes, knives, and wampum, which additional purchase 
places the Van Rensselaers of Holland interested in the Manor 
of Rensselaerswyck in possession of a tract 24 miles long, up 
and down the river and 48 miles broad, east and west, or 24 
miles inland on Both sides of the river, an area of about 700,000 
acres, including therein the counties of Albany, Rensselaer and 
a large part of Columbia, April 13. 

It is alleged that Kiliaen Van Rensselaer visited his estate in this 
country this year. (This is disproved by the continuity of the 
letters sent by him from Holland to his colony, of which direct 
copies were made and kept there by his children and secretary, 
which letters existed in 1900.) He sends Arendt van Curler 
(Corlaer), aged 18, as assistant to Commissary Planck, 

December. 



1638. 



Abraham Isaacs Verplanck, first ancestor of that name in America, 
and later the owner of a large tract at Paulus Hook (Jersey 
City) bought from the West India Company, arrives from 
Holland, March. 



Founding. 29 

1638-1640. 



William Kieft arrives at Fort Amsterdam (Manhattan Island) suc- 
ceeding Woulter van Twiller as the sixth director in New 
Netherland for the West India Company, March 28. 

Anneke Jans (Janse or Jansen), being the widow of Roelof Jansen, 
marries Rev. Everhardus Bogardus, dominie of the first Re- 
formed Protestant Dutch Church of New Amsterdam (about 
this time). 



1639. 



David Pietersen de Vries, a Dutch navigator, sails to Fort Orange 
to visit Brandt Peelan on Castle Island, a little south of the 
fort, and notices many Indians fishing at Beeren Island, and 
records : " In the evening we reached Brandpylen's Island, that 
lies a little below Fort Orange and belongs to the patroons, 
Godyn, Ronselaer, Jan de Laet and Bloemart, who had also 
more farms there which they had put in good condition at the 
company's cost, for the company had sent cattle from Father- 
land at great expense, and these individuals, being the commis- 
sioners of New Netherland, had made a good distribution 
among themselves, and while the company had nothing but an 
empty fort, they had the farms and trade around it, and each 
farmer was a trader," April 28. 

David P. de Vries experiences a disastrous flood, recording on the 
second day after his arrival at Fort Orange : " There was such 
a high flood at the island on which Brand-pylen lived, who was 
my host at this time, that we were compelled to leave it and 
to go with boats into the house where there were four feet of 
water." April 30. 

De Vries further describes the flood : " This freshet continued three 
days before we could use the dwelling again. The water ran 
into the fort, and we were obliged to repair to the woods, 
where we erected tents and kindled large fires."' ]\Iay 2. 



1640. 



Because of the dispute over various matters between the colony of 
Rensselaerswyck and the Dutch West India Company, the 
Patroons obtain a new charter of privileges and exemptions 



30 Founding. 

1640-1642. 

from the Dutch West India Co., some of the provisions therein 
being that all patroons, free colonists and inhabitants of New 
Netherland should enjoy the privilege of selling articles brought 
from Holland upon paying a lo;^ duty ; that they pay lofc export 
duty on all furs shipped to Holland ; they were allowed to manu- 
facture woolen goods and cotton cloth which had been pro- 
hibited ; the person bringing five adults to New Netherland as a 
colony would be entitled to 200 acres and might hunt in the 
public woods or fish in public streams ; no religion except that 
of the Reformed Dutch Church was to be tolerated; the colo- 
nists were to be provided with negroes to help them on their 
farms ; appeal from manorial courts might be made to director 
and council of New Netherland provided the sum in dispute 
was equal to forty dollars; but the patroons' jurisdiction was 
not affected by the new charter. 
The Dutch settlers learn how to counterfeit the Indian wampum or 
sea want (also spelled zeewan) that the Indians had produced 
by shaping mussel-shells circular, burnishing them and piercing 
so as to be strung; 2 beads having the value of one cent and 4 
beads worth one stiver, or 2 cents ; the Dutch seawant accepted 
after a time at the ratio of 6 for a stiver, or 3 for a cent. 



1 64 1. 



Arendt van Curler, now the commissary-general of Rensselaerswyck, 
and Adriaen vander Donck, a graduate of Leyden University, 
public prosecutor, the latter official kept busy with prosecutions 
of those violating the innumerable provisions of the Patroon's 
lengthy contracts. 



1 642. 



Kiliaen Van Rensselaer requests the classis of Amsterdam to send a 
' good, honest and pure preacher " to his Rensselaerswyck 
Manor, and that body selects Rev. Dr. Johannes Megapolensis, 
Jun., pastor of Schorel and Berg of the Alkmaar classis, who 
accepts the call for a term of six years, conditioned on a salary 



Founding. 31 

1642. 

of 1,000 guilders ($400) that he may not have to work as a 
farmer, the same to be paid in meat, drink, and whatever he 
might claim, and an annual donation of 30 schepels (90 bus.) 
of wheat, 2 firkins of butter, or else 60 guilders, for the first 
three years, and if satisfactory to the Patroon to be paid by 
him 200 additional guilders annually, March 6. 

Rev. Dr. Johannes Megapolensis duly accredited the Dominie for 
Rensselaerswyck at Amsterdam by Adam Bessels, Rev. Jacobus 
Laurentius and Pietrus Wittewrongel ; described in the docu- 
ment as being 39 years old, with wife, Machtelt, aged 42 years, 
and four children under 15 years of age, March 22. 

Hendrick Albertsen appointed by the Patroon at Amsterdam the 
ferryman to transfer people across the river, departing from 
the north side of Beverkill, which empties into the Hudson at 
Arch street, June 3. 

The Patroon sends instructions from Holland telling where colo- 
nists may build, stating: '' As the church, the minister's house, 
that of the officer, and also all those of the trades-people must 
hereafter be established there^ as Abraham Staes and Evert 
Pels, the brewer, have undertaken, I do insist upon, and 
consent that, with the exception of the farmers and tobacco- 
planters, who must reside on their farms and plantations, no 
tradesmen, henceforth and after the expiration of their service, 
shall establish themselves elsewhere than in the church-neigh- 
borhood in the order and according to the plan of building sent 
herewith ; for every one residing where he thinks fit, separated 
far from the others, would be unfortunately in danger of their 
lives, in the same manner, as sorrowful experience has taught 
around the Manhattans." June 3. 

The Amsterdam Chamber of the Dutch West India Company in- 
dorses the appointment of Dominie Megapolensis, although the 
Patroon had seriously objected, not wishing interference with 
a matter which he considered entirely within his right and not 
a matter with which they had any authority, and he is ready 
to sail on the De Houttuyn, June 6. 

Anneke Jans (or Jansen), the owner of what later becomes the 
Trinity Church property in New York city, and who dies in 
Albany, signs an obligation (Anna lans) to provide for the 
children of her first husband, Roelof Jansen, and to educate 
them, namely, Sara, Tryntje, Sytje (or Fytje), Jan (who later 
is massacred at Schenectady by the Indians) and Annatje, 

June 21. 



2^2 Founding. 

1642. 

A party of about 70 Mohawks set out in July on a foray, and from 
both sides of the St. Lawrence attack a party of Huron Indians 
accompanied by French priests from Canada, among them 
Father Isaac Jogues, who were going in twelve canoes to their 
country near the big lake (Huron) and the Mohawks take 22 
of them prisoners. The occurrences, of a most horrible nature, 
transpiring then, and the tortures to which they were subjected 
on their travel to the Mohawk river, when Father Jogues was 
beaten senseless for displaying sympathy for a prisoner being 
tortured, (as described in a letter written at Rensselaerswyck, 
on Aug. 5, 1643, by Father Jogues himself) being as follows: 
" Scarcely had I begun to breathe, when some others, attacking 
me, tore out, by biting, almost all my finger-nails, and crunched 
my two forefingers with their teeth, giving me intense pain. 
* * * No trial, however, came harder upon me than to see them, 
five or six days afterward, approach us jaded with the march, 
and in cold blood, with minds nowise excited by passion, pluck 
out our hair and beard, and drive their nails, which are always 
very sharp, deep into parts most tender and sensitive to the 
slightest impression." The day of the ambushed attack, Aug. 4. 

Father Jogues, describing in his letter the cruelties perpetrated by 
the victorious Mohawks, states : " On the eighth day we fell 
in with a band of two hundred Indians going out to fight (on 
an island in Lake Champlain) ; and as it is the custom for 
savages, when out on war-parties, to initiate themselves, as it 
were, by cruelty,, under the belief that their success will be the 
greater as they shall have been the more cruel, they thus re- 
ceived us : First rendering thanks to the sun, which they imag- 
ine presides over war, they congratulated their countrymen by 
a joyful volley of nuisketry. Each then cut some stout clubs in 
the neighboring wood in order to receive us. After we had 
landed from the canoes, they fell upon us from both sides with 
their clubs in such fury, that I, who was the last and therefore 
the most exposed to their blows, sank overcome by their num- 
bers and severity before I had accomplished half the rocky way 
that led to the hill on which a stage had been erected for us. I 
thought I should quickly die there ; and therefore, partly because 
I could not, partly because I cared not, I did not rise. How 
long they spent their fury upon me He knows for whose love 
and sake it is delightful and glorious thus to suffer. Moved at 
last by a cruel mercy, and wishing to carry me to their country 
alive, they ceased to strike. And thus half dead and covered 
with blood, they bore me to the scaffold. Here I had scarce 




FATHER ISAAC JOQUES. 

This zealous French Jesuit missionary was captured on the St. Lawrence 
River, Aug. 4, 1642, by a band of savage Mohawks and brought here a prisoner 
despite efforts of the Dutch to release him. He was put to death Oct. 18, 1646. 



Founding. 33 

1642. 

begun to breathe, when they ordered me to come down to load 
me with scoffs and insults, and countless blows upon my head 
and shoulders, and indeed my whole body. I should be tedious 
were I to attempt to tell all that the French prisoners suffered. 
They burnt one of my fingers, and crushed another with their 
teeth ; the others already thus mangled they so wrenched by the 
tattered nerves that even now, though healed, they are fright- 
fully deformed." Aug. 12. 

Dominie jMegapolensis, wife and four young children arrive at 
Fort Orange, and Arendt van Curler at once provides them with 
a house, until he can build one, Aug. 12. 

Father Jogues was not to escape with what severe tortures had been 
his lot on the way south from the St. Lawrence River, to the 
Mohawk village this side of the Cohoes falls, and describes in 
his letter (of 1643) what transpired as they neared the Mohawk 
village : " On the eve of the Assumption, about three o'clock, 
we reached a river (the Mohawk) which flows by their village. 
Both banks were filled with Iroquois, who received us with 
clubs, fists, and stones. As a bald or thinly-covered head is an 
object of aversion to them, this tempest burst in its fury on my 
bare head. Two of my nails had hitherto escaped; these they 
tore out with their teeth, and with their keen nails stripped ofif 
the flesh beneath to the very bone." Then an aged Indian com- 
pelled a squaw to cut off his left thumb, Aug. 15. 

The inhabitants of Rensselaerswyck and those dwelling near Fort 
Orange, learning of the cruelties practiced by the IMohawks, fear 
they may, outnumbering them, put them to tortures similar to 
their French captives, and resolve to pacify the savages by gifts 
and to seek to ransom the captives. They delegate Arendt van 
Curler, Jan Labatie and Jacob Jansen to renew covenants and 
to offer a reward for Father Jogues's liberty. Of what hap- 
pened Arendt van Curler relates : " I carried presents there, 
and desired that we should live as good neighbors and that they 
should neither harm the colonists nor their castle, to all of which 
the savages of all three villages readily agreed. We were en- 
tertained there very well and very kindly. We had to stop 
before each castle for about a quarter of an hour that the 
savages could get ready and receive us with a number of salutes 
from their muskets. They were highly delighted that I had 
come there. Some men were immediately ordered to go hunt- 
ing and they brought home very fine turkeys. After thoroughly 
inspecting their castle, I called together all the chiefs of the 
three castles and advised them to release the French prisoners, 
but without success, for they refused it in an eloquent speech, 



34 Founding. 

1642-1643. 



saying: 'We shall be kind to you always, but on this subject 
you must be silent. Besides you well know how they treat our 
people when they fall into their hands.' Had we reached them 
three or four days later they would have been burnt. I offered 
them a ransom for the Frenchmen, about six hundred florins 
in goods (about $250), which all the colony was to contribute, 
but they would not accept it. We nevertheless induced them to 
promise not to kill them, but to carry them back to their 
country. The Frenchmen ran screaming after us and besought 
us to do all in our power for their delivery from the savages. 
But there was no chance for it. On my return they gave me 
an escort of ten or twelve armed men who conducted us home." 

August. 

Although Arendt van Curler had been erecting a house for Dominie 
Megapolensis, it being unfinished for winter use (west of Fort 
Orange, Steamboat Square, some hundred feet), he buys one 
of Maryn Adriaensen van Veere, of oak, already built, for 350 
guilders (about $140), November. 

Dominie Megapolensis begins the study of the Indian language in 
order to be able to preach to the Mohawks, December. 



1 643. 



Commissary Arendt van Curler writes to the Patroon in Holland 
about the church that Dominie Megapolensis had expected to 
use on his arrival in August of 1642, as follows : " As for the 
church it is not yet contracted for, not even begun. I had writ- 
ten to your honor that I had a building almost ready, namely the 
covenanted work, which would have been for Dominie Megapo- 
lensis, but this house did not suit Dominie Johannes ; in other 
respects it was adapted in every way to his wants. On this 
account I have laid it aside. The one which I intend to build 
this summer in the pine-grove [greene bosch] will be 34 feet 
long by 19 wide. It will be large enough for the first three or 
four years to preach in and can be used afterward as a resi- 
dence by the sexton, or for a school. I hope your honor will 
not take this ill as it happened through good intentions." June. 

Adriaen vander Donck, the schout of Rensselaerswyck, decides to 
establish a colony to the south, in the neighborhood of Catskill, 

June. 



Founding. 35 

1643. 

Father Jogues, having been held a captive for the space of one year 
at the Mohawk village a few miles north of Fort Orange, he i<; 
taken by them on a fishing excursion to a place about 24 miles 
south of the fort (near the site of Hudson, N. Y.), Aug. i. 

Father Jogues having returned from the fishing-trip with his Indian 
captors, tarries with them a few days at Fort Orange, and de- 
scribes the manner of his escape in a letter, as follows : " As 
soon as it was day, I went to salute the Dutch governor, and 
told him the resolution I had come to before God. [This was 
as to the proprietry of stealing surreptitiously away from im- 
prisonment.] He called upon the officers of the ship, told them 
his intentions, and exhorted them to receive and conceal me, in 
a word, to carry me over to Europe. They replied that if I 
could once get aboard their vessel I was safe, and would not 
have to leave it till I reached Bordeaux or Rochelle. ' Cheer 
up, then,' said the governor, ' return with the Indians, and this 
evening, or in the night, steal off quietly and get to the river, 
where you will find a little boat which I will have ready to take 
you to the ship.' After most humble thanks to all those gentle- 
men, I left the Dutch, better to conceal my design. In the 
evening I retired, with ten or twelve Iroquois, to a barn, where 
we spent the night. Before lying down I went out to see where 
I could most easily escape. The dogs, then let loose, ran at me, 
and a large and powerful one snapped at my bare leg and bit it 
severely. I immediately entered the barn, the Iroquois closed 
the door securely, and to guard me better came and lay beside 
me, the one who was in a manner appointed to watch me. See- 
ing myself beset with these mishaps, and the bam secured and 
surrounded by dogs that would betray me if I attempted to go 
out, I almost thought I could not escape. * * * This whole 
night also I spent without sleep. Toward day I heard the cocks 
crow. Soon after, a servant of the Dutch farmer, who had 
received us into his barn, entered by some door I had not seen. 
I went up to him softly and made him a sign, not understand- 
ing his Flemish, to stop the dogs from barking. He immedi- 
ately went out, and I after him^ when I had taken up my little 
luggage consisting of a little office of the Blessed Virgin, an 
Imitation of Christ, and a wooden cross which I had made to 
keep me in mind of my Saviour's sufferings. Having got out 
of the barn without making any noise or waking my guards, I 
climbed over a fence surrounding the house, and ran straight 
to the river where the ship was. It was as much as my wounded 
leg could do, for the distance was a quarter of a league. I 
found the boat as I had been told, but as the tide had gone down 



36 Founding. 

1643. 

it was high and dry. I pushed it to get it to the water, but 
finding it too heavy, I cahed to the ship to send me their boat 
to take me on board. There was no answer. I do not know 
whether they heard me. Be that as it may, no one appeared, 
and day was beginning to reveal to the Iroquois the robbery 
which I had made of myself, and I feared to be surprised in 
my innocent crime. Weary of hallooing I returned to my boat, 
and praying to the Almighty to increase my strength, I suc- 
ceeded at last so well by working it slowly on and pushing 
stoutly that I got it into the water. As soon as it floated I 
jumped in and reached the vessel alone, unperceived by any 
Iroquois. I was immediately lodged in the bottom of the hold, 
and to hide me they put a large box on the hatch. I was two 
days and two nights in the hold of this ship, in such a state that 
I expected to be suffocated and die of the stench." This event 
transpired between the middle and last of the month of August, 
being described in a letter written at Rensselaerswyck by Father 
. Jogues, Aug. 30. 

Father Jogues, is still in doubt as to whether he will be able to escape, 
He has difficulty in escaping the vigilant watch for him by the 
Indians. He writes : " The second night of my voluntary im- 
prisonment the minister of the Hollanders came to tell me that 
the Iroquois had made much trouble, and that the Dutch settlers 
were afraid that they would set fire to their houses and kill 
their cattle. * * * I was taken to his house, where he kept 
me concealed. These comings and goings were done by night, 
so that I was not discovered." Aug. 30. 

Father Jogues tells how he finally escaped, in a letter to Father 
. Charles Lalemant, while at Rennes, France (dated Jan. 6, 
1664), as follows : " The Iroquois came to the Dutch post about 
the middle of September, and made a great deal of disturbance, 
but at last received the presents made by the captain who had 
me concealed. They amounted to about three hundred livres. 
which I will endeavor to repay. All things being quieted, I was 
sent to Manhattan, where the governor of the country resides. 
He received me kindly, gave me clothes and passage in a vessel 
which crossed the ocean in midwinter." September. 

The Patroon, in Holland, sends word to Nicolaas Coorn to fortify 
Beeren Island, and to demand of each skipper passing ut» or 
down, except those of the West India Company, a toll of live 
guilders ($2) as a tax, likewise to see that every vessel coming 
up the river lowers its colors at the fort as a sign of respect 
to the Patroon. Coorn thereupon issues the following mani- 
festo : " I, Nicolaas Coorn, Commander of Rensselaer's 



Founding. Z7 

1643-1644. 

Castle and for the noble lord, Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, under the 
high jurisdiction of the high and mighty Lords States-General 
of the United Netherlands, and the privileged West India Com- 
pany, hereditary commander of the colonies on this North River 
of New Netherlands and as vice-commander in his place, make 
known to you that you shall not presume to use this river to the 
injury of the acquired right of the said lord in his rank as 
Patroon of the Colony of Rensselaerswyck, the first and the 
oldest on this river. * * * Protesting in the name of the 
said lord, should you presume in defiance of law to attempt to 
pass by contrary to this proclamation, I am directed to prevent 
you. Under this manifesto, however, you are permitted to 
trade with his commissary, but not with the Indians or his par- 
ticular subjects, as will be seen and read in the admonition and 
instruction given by him, the Patroon, to Pieter Wyncoop, the 
commissary, and Arendt van Curler, the commissary-general, 
conformable to the restrictions of the regulations contained 
therein," Sept. 8. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, at Amsterdam, Holland, learns of Van der 
Donck's plans to establish a colony of his own south of his 
Rensselaerswyck manorial lands, and commissions Pieter Wyn- 
coop to set out from that city with a vessel. The Arms of Rens- 
selaerswyck, and purchasing the lands at Catskill, to settle there, 
while Arendt van Curler uses any force necessary to keep Van 
der Donck from settling, Sept. lo. 



1644. 



Father Jogues arrives in France, and meets with honors at every 
turn, people seeking all his little possessions as sacred relics, 
and the Queen Regent summoning him to visit her at Paris, 
which he does not care to do, being modestly disposed about 
himself ; but does so on her third command, January- 

Dominie Megapolensis writes an interesting sketch of the Mohawk 
Indians, February. 

Covert Loockermans, skipper of the yacht the Good Hope, sails 
from Fort Orange for New Amsterdam, and with studied con- 
tempt fails to salute the fort, Rensselaer's Castle, on Beeren 
Island (Beeren, plural of Bear), as directed by the mandate 
of September 8th, whereupon Commander Nicolaas Coorn 
yells across the water to him : " Lower your colors ! " Loock- 
ermans answers back " For whom should I ? " Coorn tells him 



38 P'OUNDING. 

1644-164:6. 



" For the staple-right of Rensselaerswyck." To this the Good 
Hope's indominable skipper replies, " I lower my colors for 
no one except the Prince of Orange and the lords, my masters !" 
Coorn applies a match to the fuse of his small cannon and a 
shot rips through the Good Hope's mainsail, also cutting loose 
the rigging. Another shot is fired but it passes over the vessel. 
A third cannon is discharged by an Indian, and the ball passes 
through the colors of the Prince of Orange, July i. 

Skipper Loockermans of the Good Hope lodges complaint against 
Coorn on his arrival at New Amsterdam, demanding reparation, 
and the Council of New Netherland issues an order for Coorn 
to desist from such practice, July 5. 

Commander Coorn, at Fort Orange, does not heed the order of 
the powers at New Netherland located at New Amsterdam, 
and continues to demand homage or recognition of the rights 
of Rensselaer Manor, August. 

A general thanksgiving is ordered because of the ratification of 
several treaties with the Indian tribes, especially with those 
on Long Island, who had warred continuously with the Dutch 
settlers at Fort Amsterdam, Aug. 31. 

Day of thanksgiving observed in the churches at New Amsterdam 
and Fort Orange, Sept. 6. 



1645. 



Father Jogues has a strong desire to return to America again, 
there to christianize the savage tribes of Indians, although he 
had been shamefully treated by the Mohawk and Iroquois tribes 
in 1642 ; but there is a great impediment in his way of his offi- 
ciating at the sacrifice in his mangled hands, the strict rules 
of the church requiring a dispensation should he be permitted 
to act. Pope Urban VIII., learning the true and full story of 
Father Jogues's martyrdom, grants his petition, with excla- 
mations of the delight he feels at the privilege of placing the 
zealous Jesuit in full official capacity. 



1 646. 



The house of Adriaen van der Donck, the schout of the Colony of 
Rensselaerswyck, burns to the ground and he moves into a 
cottage that is within the fort, Jan. 17. 




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Founding. 39 

1646. 

Father Jogues, who had returned this spring from France to Canada, 
having been in the former country since his escape from the 
Iroquois at Fort Orange in September of 1643, sets out from 
Three Rivers, Canada, with a French officer, named Bourdon, 
four Mohawks and two Algonquins, on a mission of peace to 
the Mohawks, who had previously fearfully maltreated him, 
proceeding under the auspices this time of the Governor of 
Canada, May 16. 

Father Jogues and his party reach Lake Andiatorocte (Lake 
George) on the eve of the Feast of Corpus Christi, and he con- 
secrates that body of water Lac du Saint Sacrement, May 29. 

Father Jogues arrives at Fort Orange and he pays the money in 
return that had been given to the Iroquois by his Dutch friends 
for his liberation from the savages in 1643. They welcome 
him cordially, and he relates his travels abroad, and having 
accomplished the object of his visit, freeing himself of debt to 
his benefactors, he decides to go north once more, June. 

Dominie Megapolensis conducting services in his own house at this 
time; but the church was nearly completed for him (on what 
was later termed Church street, to the north of Madison avenue 
and south of Pruyn street, being but a short distance north- 
west of Fort Orange on the Steamboat Square, not distant in 
1646 from the river) excepting to the seat for magistrates, 
the seat for the deacon, the nine benches for the congregation, 
corner-seats and the predickstool (pulpit), July- 

Father Jogues, at Three Rivers, Canada, before starting out on his 
missionary tour through the Mohawk valley, writes a descrip- 
tion of how Fort Orange looked at the time of his visit there 
in the previous June, saying : " There are two things in this 
settlement (which is called Rensselaerswyck, or in other words 
the settlement of Rensselaer, who is a rich Amsterdam mer- 
chant), first, a miserable little fort called Fort Orange, built of 
logs, with four or five pieces of Breteuil cannon and as many 
swivels. This has been reserved and is maintained by the 
West India Company. This fort was formerly on an island in 
the river. It is now on the mainland toward the Iroquois, a 
little above the said island. Second, a colony sent here by 
this Rensselaer, who is the Patroon. This colony is composed 
of about a hundred persons, who reside in some twenty-five 
or thirty houses, built along the river as each one found most 
convenient. In the principal house lives the Patroon's agent; 
the minister has his apart, in which service is performed. There 
is also a kind of bailiff here, whom they call the seneschal, who 



40 Founding. 

1646-1647. 



administers justice. Their houses are solely of boards and 
thatched, with no mason-work except the chimneys. The forest 
furnishes many fine pines ; they make boards by means of their 
mills, which they have here for the purpose. They found some 
pieces of cultivated ground, which the savages had formerly 
cleared, and in which they sow wheat and oats for beer, and for 
their horses, of which they have great numbers. There is little 
land fit for tillage, being hemmed in by hills, which are poor 
soil. This obliges them to separate, and they already occupy 
two or three leagues of the country. Trade is free to all ; this 
gives the Indians all things cheap, each of the Hollanders outbid- 
ding his neighbor, and being satisfied, provided he can gain 
some little profit. This settlement is not more than twenty 
leagues from the Agniehorons, [Mohawk Indian tribe], who 
can be reached by land or water, as the [Mohawk] river on 
which the Iroquois lie, falls into that which passes by the Dutch, 
but there are many low rapids and a fall of a short half league, 
where the canoe must be carried." Aug. 3. 

Rev. Father Isaac Jogues, a Jesuit missionary who had suffered ex- 
treme cruelties at the hands of the Mohawk Indians in the 
summer of 1642 and could not escape from them until at Fort 
Orange, in September, 1643, when he sailed unawares to them 
to France ; born at Orleans, in that country, on January 10, 
1607, entering the Jesuit order in 1624 and becoming an or- 
dained priest in 1636, whereupon he had at once proceeded to 
Canada ; being regarded by the Mohawks as a sorcerer he is 
put to death by them at Caughnawaga, (N. Y.), Oct. 18. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer dies and his eldest son, Johan, becomes 
his successor as Patroon (although neither one ever comes to 
America) and not having reached his majority the management 
for the colony in America is entrusted by the deceased's ex- 
ecutors (Johannes van Wely and Wouter van Twiller) to 
Brandt Arendt van Slechtenhorst of the Van Rensselaer home- 
stead at Nijkerk, Province of Gelderland, Holland, who accord- 
ingly prepares to go the following year to Rensselaerswyck. 



1 647. 



Fort Orange nearly swept away by a freshet of unusual propor- 
tions, broadening and deepening the river so that a school of 



Founding. 41 

1647-1648. 

whales (it is said) swam up the Hudson as far as Lansingburgh, 
one of which becoming stranded on an island opposite that place, 
gives it the name of Walvish Eylant or Whale Island (a small 
island in the Hudson River above Troy which disappeared on 
construction of the state dam), March. 

Petrus Stuyvesant arrives at Fort Amsterdam on Manhattan Island, 
as the successor of Director Kieft, for the Dutch West India 
Company, May 11. 

Brandt A. van Slechtenhorst sails from Holland for Virginia on 
his journey to Fort Orange, Sept. 26. 

Carl van Brugge appointed commissary of Fort Orange, Nov. 6. 

Rev. Everhardus Bogardus of New Amsterdam, the second hus- 
band of Anneke Jans for Jansen), drowned, and she removes to 
Beverswyck, purchasing a small house at the northeast corner 
of Yonkers (State) street and Middle Lane (James street). 



1648. 



Brandt Arendt van Slechtenhorst arrives at Fort Orange, to be 
Director of Rensselaerswyck, the river having been frozen he 
did not attempt to come up before this with his family, 

March 22. 

While the director of the Rensselaerswyck colony did not admit 
any rule over his authority by Pieter Stuyvesant, the Dutch 
West India Company's Director of New Netherland, still the 
former official did pay him due respect on his first visit of in- 
spection to Fort Orange, south of the Manor, it being recorded : 
" Whereas the council of the colony directed that the Heer 
General Pieter Stuyvesant should be honored, on his arrival 
and departure, with several salutes from the Heer Patroon's 
three pieces of cannon, the Director employed Jan Dircksen van 
Bremen and Hans Eencluys to clean the same, for they were 
filled with earth and stones, and to load them, in doing which 
they were engaged three days, to wit : one day in cleaning them, 
the second day in firing, at the arrival, and the third at Stuyve- 
sant's departure, for which Van Slechtenhorst purchased twenty 
pounds of powder and expended ten guilders for beer and 
victuals, besides having provided the Heer General at his de- 
parture with some young fowls and pork," July. 

Director-General Stuyvesant seeks to keep all buildings back and 
away from the fort by the river (on Steamboat Square) that no 



42 Founding. 

1648. 

protection from its range of cannon may be afforded to the 
Indians should they make attack, admonishing the authorities 
at Rensselaerswyck : " We request, by virtue of our commission, 
the commandant and court of the said colony to desist and re- 
frain from building within a cannon-shot from the fort, until 
further orders or advice from our sovereigns or superiors, or 
to present to us special consent and authority signed by our 
sovereigns or superiors aforesaid, for both above and below 
there are equally suitable, yea better building sites," July 23. 

Van Rensselaer's Director, Van Slechtenhorst, writes a refutation 
to the asserted rights of Stuyvesant, stating the claim of the 
Van Rensselaer colony to use of land all about Fort Orange, — 
that the Patroon's trading-house had stood a long time on the 
edge of the fort's moat, and he ridicules the recent order of 
Stuyvesant in view of the valueless quality of the fort as a 
proper place of defence, saying: " So far as regards the re- 
nowned fortress, men can go in and out of it by night as well 
as by day. I have been more than six months in the colony 
and the nearest resident to the fort, and yet I have never been 
able to discover a single person carrying a sword, a musket 
or a pike, or have I heard or seen a drum beat, except when 
the Director-General himself visited it, with his soldiers in 
July," July 28. 

Dominie Megapolensis, having completed his term of six years, 
resigns his pastorate ; but his congregation, endeared to him, 
urge that he remain another year instead of going back to 
Holland to attend to an estate, which he agrees to do, August. 

Director Van Slechtenhorst commences erecting a house within 
pistol-shot of Fort Orange, contrary to Stuyvesant's prohibition 
of the previous month, August. 

Director-General Stuyvesant learns about the action of the Director 
of Rensselaerswyck and dispatches both soldiers and sailors 
to Fort Orange with orders to demolish the house of Van 
Slechtenhorst now under construction, and Carl Van Brugge, 
commissary of Fort Orange, is directed to arrest him if he 
offers resistance, September. 

There is much excitement at Fort Orange and Rensselaerswyck 
when Stuyvesant's orders are made known, asserting that if 
Van Brugge attempt to take down the house they will fight 
the garrison. Besides, the house having been intended for the 
■ Indians as a shelter when remaining in town to trade, they 
declare their readiness to help the people of Rensselaerswyck, 

September. 



Founding. 43 

1648-1650. 



Commissary \"an Brugge writes to Stuyvesant that it was useless for 
him to attempt to take a stand against the inhabitants as they 
outnumber his men, and with the Indians as alHes would be 
the victors, September. 

Stuyvesant recalls the seven soldiers and five sailors, but sends an 
order directing Van Slechtenhorst to appear before liim on 
April 4th, abandoning the idea for the time of enforcing his 
resrulations. October. 



1 649. 



Dominie Megapolensis, having completed seven years as pastor of 
the Dutch Reformed Church, or one year longer than his orig- 
inal contract called for, Director Stuyvesant persuades him to 
assume charge of the congregation at Fort Amsterdam, and 
he accepts, Aug. 15. 

The Patroon's brewery turns out 330 tuns of beer during the year. 

December. 



1650. 



The colonists of Rensselaerswyck subscribe money for a small 
school-house, June. 

Dominie Megapolensis' brother-in-law. Rev. Wilhelmus Grasmeer, 
a former resident of Grafdyck, Holland, who had left there 
without first obtaining consent of the classis, accepts the pulpit 
vacated by the withdrawal of the former to New Amsterdam 
the previous year, Jwly- 

The school-house is completed, August. 

Andreas Jansen is chosen to teach the children of those who had 
subscribed money for the school building, Sept. 9. 

There being no regularly appointed dominie of the Dutch Reformed 
Church, named by the classis in Holland, Philip Pietersen 
Schuyler, who had arrived this year from Holland, the pro- 
genitor of the family of that name in America, and Margritta 
van Slechtenhorst, the Director's daughter, are married at the 
Manor House by the Rensselaerswyck's secretary, Anthonie 
de Hooges, the officers of the fort and the manor attending 
the afifair, which is celebrated with much entertainment, Dec. 22. 



44 Founding. 

1651. 

1 65 1. 



Johannes Dyckman is stationed at Fort Orange as the Vice-Director 
of the West India Company under Director-General Stuyvesant 
who is located at New Amsterdam (New York city) with super- 
vision over the entire New Netherlands and those at the fort 
(on Steamboat Square) are continuously at odds with the 
colonists of Rensselaerswyck, grouped about the Dutch Church 
on Church street, only a hundred yards to the northwest of it, 
soldiers of the Fort Orange garrison going about at night dis- 
charging their muskets in the streets and in many ways ter- 
rifying the inhabitants. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer's third son, Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer, 
the first of the name of Van Rensselaer to come to America 
(it being conclusively shown by series of letters that Kiliaen 
kept copied in a record book in Holland, inscribed by his chil- 
dren and secretary, that he never visited this country even for 
a short time, as has often been suggested he did) arrives here 
to see the colony that the Van Rensselaers had established. As 
the Rensselaerswyck directors of the past had not allowed the 
soldiers of Fort Orange to hunt, fish or cut wood upon the 
manorial lands it was not to be expected that they would be 
any better disposed to him than they had been towards the 
directors, and they looked upon him as an unfriendly, undesir- 
able personage, likely to be more severe than his officials. 

It being a question whether the Dutch West India Company's 
officers as represented by Pieter Stuyvesant or the Manor under 
Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer was to be superior, the latter seeks 
to strengthen his position and it is resolved by the Council of 
Rensselaerswyck " that all householders and freemen of the 
colony shall appear on the twenty-eighth day of November of 
this year, being Tuesday, at the house of the honorable director, 
and there take the ' burgerlijke ' oath of allegiance." Nov. 23. 

Forty-five colonists take the oath of allegiance to the Patroon at 
Director Van Slechtenhorst's house, in these words : " I prom- 
ise and swear that I shall be true and faithful to the noble 
Patroon and co-directors, or those who represent them here, 
and to the honorable director, commissioners and council, sub- 
jecting myself to the court of the colony ; and I promise to 
demean myself as a good and faithful inhabitant or burgher, 
without exciting any opposition, tumult, or noise, but on the 



Founding. 45 

1651-1652. 



contrary, as a loyal inhabitant to maintain and support, offen- 
sively and defensively against every one, the right and the 
jurisdiction of the colony. And with reverence and fear of the 
Lord, and the uplifting of both the first fingers of the right 
hand, I say, So truly help me God Almighty." Nov. 28. 

Joost Hartgers, bookseller of Amsterdam, prints the sketch written 
about the Mohawk Indians by Dominie Megapolensis. 



1652. 



Soldiers from Fort Orange garrison, in rancorous spirit, make 
hideous outcry and discharge their muskets at night in front 
of the Patroon's mansion, a piece of burning wad falling on the 
reed roof and setting it ablaze ; but the burning thatch is dis- 
covered and extinguished, Jan. i. 

Director of Rensselaerswyck Slechtenhorst's son assaulted by sold- 
iers of Fort Orange garrison, who beat him mercilessly and 
drag him through mire to Vice-Director Dyckman of the West 
India Company, in command of the fort (on Steamboat Square, 
between Broadway of 1900 and the Hudson River), who bids 
them, " Let him have it, now, and the duivel take him ! " Dyck- 
man perceiving Philip Pietersen Schuyler running to aid his 
brother-in-law, draws sword to head him off^ and upon the 
Rensselaerswyck colonists attempting to join in the affray, he 
orders the cannon of Fort Orange loaded at once and trained on 
the patroon's mansion, a dwelling to the west and not far from 
the fort, Jan. 2. 

Director-General Stuyvesant writes to Vice-Director Dyckman to 
maintain the rights of the Dutch West India Company's gar- 
rison. Fort Orange, and allow none to ,build or remain in houses 
already erected near to it, which proclamation bearing his seal, 
he orders to be read to the Rensselaerswyck colonists, Jan. 15. 

Dyckman accompanied by an armed body-guard, goes to Jan Bap- 
tiste Van Rensselaer's Manor House where the colonial magis- 
trates are in session, and desires that the Patroon read the 
proclamation from Stuyvesant to the inhabitants ; but Van Rens- 
selaer is angered, maintaining that Dyckman should not have 
come with armed men upon his land, and asserting, " It shall 
not be done so long as we have a drop of blood in our veins, 
nor until we receive orders from their high mightinesses and 



46 Founding. 

1652. 

honored masters." Whereupon Dyckman orders the Patroon^s 
bell rung, and being refused, rings that of Fort Orange to call 
together the inhabitants, and returns to Van Rensselaer's house. 
Here he orders his deputy to read the proclamation ; but Van 
Slechtenhorst snatches it away, and in tearing it the seals fall 
therefrom. To Dyckman's threat that Stuyvesant will make 
him suffer severely, he laughingly turns to his colonists, saying, 
" Go home, good friends, it is only the wind of a cannon-ball 
fired six hundred paces off." January. 

Pieter Stuyvesant orders Vice-Director Dyckman to erect a number 
of posts six hundred paces from the walls of Fort Orange (250 
Rhineland rods of 12 Rhineland feet of 12 36-100 inches, being 
about 3,083 feet), marking each with the West India Company's 
seal and nailing to boards thereon, at each post, a copy of the 
proclamation, March 5. 

Vice-Director Dyckman plants several posts as directed by Stuyve- 
sant, some, to the north, at Orange street, others at a south 
Hne, the site of the future Gansevoort street, March 17. 

The Rensselaerswyck magistrates order the high constable to remove 
the Fort Orange boundary-line posts set out by Vice-Director 
Dyckman, and writes to Director-General Stuyvesant of what 
he considers " the unbecoming pretensions and attacks," 

March 19. 

Stuyvesant writes to Dyckman that he intends to visit Fort Orange 
with such means as will enforce his proclamation, it being 
rumored that Dyckman was to erect a gallows and hang Patroon 
Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer, \'an Slechtenhorst and the co- 
lonial director's son, ]\larch. 

• • • 



Pieter Stuyvesant, having come to Fort Orange to straighten out 
matters between the West India Company and the Manor of 
Rensselaerswyck, despatches Sergeant Litschoe with a squad 
to lower the Patroon's flag, and upon Van Slechtenhorst re- 
fusing, the soldiers enter the Patroon's yard, discharge their 
firearms and lower the colors. He then proclaims that the 
area within the district that he had previously ordered staked 
out about the fort be Dorpe Beverswyck, or the village of 
Beverswyck, meaning where beavers gathered, April i. 




PIETER STUYVESANT. 

He was the doughty Director-General in New Amsterdam for the Dutch 
West India Co. and issued sundry proclamations here which aroused the 
Rensselaerswyckians to wrath, in 1648 and 1652. 



Founding. 47 

1652. 

Before leaving Fort Orange, Stuyvesant institutes a court and 
names three justices, April 10. 

Director Stuyvesant having had his proclamation posted at the 
Rensselaerswyck Court-House, Van Slechtenhorst tears down 
the placard and attaches his own in its stead, to maintain thus 
the rights of the Van Rensselaer Manor, April 15. 

Van Slechtenhorst is arrested by the Fort Orange soldiers for his 
insubordinate acts, and is imprisoned therein with such solic- 
itous care that none might speak to him, April 18. 

The Director-General conveys land south of the Fuyck kill (the 

creek also known as the Rutten kill, emptying into the Hudson 

.River near Hudson avenue) as far south as the public high 

road, and as far west as Jacob Jansen's farm, to be a site for 

an almshouse and its supporting farm for workers or inmates, 

April 23. 

Gerrit Swart is commissioned at Amsterdam, Holland, to be the 
schout, (sheriff) of Rensselaerswyck, the document signed by 
Johan Van Rensselaer and Giacomo Bissels for the co-directors, 

April 24. 

Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer, who was the first of that family name 
to come to America (arriving at Fort Orange in 1651) becomes 
the director of the Manor, his power of attorney bearing this 
date. May 8. 

Rev. Gideon Schaets having received the call sent from Rensselaers- 
wyck to take charge of Dominie Megapolensis' congregation, 
he signs his acceptance, at Amsterdam, as do Johan Van Rens- 
selaer and Toussaint Mussart for the co-directors, and his term 
of three years at 800 guilders annually, is to begin when ho 
arrives at his destination on the ship Flower of Gelder, on which 
he was to enjoy free passage and board, May 8. 

Holland and England wage war, because the latter had granted her 
ship owners letters of reprisal to capture Dutch vessels found 
sailing the seas. A naval engagement takes place between the 
two fleets in the Straits of Dover, May 29. 

The Dutch West India Company writes from Amsterdam a letter of 
warning to Stuyvesant to beware of the English inhabitants, 
and if they rise up in civil conflict he suggests that they employ 
the Indians to subjugate the enemy. It is also advised that 
the erection of palisades around all the principal settlements 
of New Netherland may be a wise policy. Aug. 6. 

As the vessel bearing the advice of the Dutch West India Company 
to Stuyvesant, directing him to beware of the English, was 
captured by the enemy, a duplicate is sent to him, Dec. 13. 



48 Founding. 

1653-1655. 



1 653. 



Pieter Stuyvesant waits until the river opens in the spring to send 
the directions of the Dutch West India Company, regarding the 
building of palisades and the strengthening of the forts against 
an English uprising, to Vice-Director Dyckman, and the news 
of a common danger brings at last a mutual co-operation of 
those at Rensselaerswyck and Fort Orange, March. 



1 654. 



Stuyvesant relents regarding his strict orders not to build settlers' 
houses anywheres near the fort, between Fuyck and Beaver 
kills, and grants a license to adrien Jansen Appel of Leyden 
to build near Thomas Jansen's fence provided the place be not 
used as a tippling house but as a tavern to accommodate 
strangers, April 30. 

News received at New Amsterdam of the establishment of peace 
between England and Holland, July i6- 

Fort Orange observes a day of thanksgiving because of the declara- 
tion of peace and the possibility of conducting business with- 
out fear of an unexpected molestation or expending further 
money on fortifications, Aug. 12. 



1655. 



Marcelus Jansen, being the highest bidder for the tapsters' excise 
for the year and giving bonds that he will pay the sum of 2,030 
guilders in good strung zewant, becomes the collector of ex- 
cise duties, and each tapster is expected to pay a revenue to the 
Dutch West India Company of four guilders on a tun of home- 
brewed beer, and six guilders on a tun of the imported, April 23. 

Johannes de Decker is appointed Vice-Director for the Dutch West 
India Company at Fort Orange to succeed Dyckman, June 21. 



Founding. 49 

1655-1656. 



Johannes Dyckman, a man little liked, pettish, surly and malignant, 
incapacitated to continue his duties as Vice-Director at Fort 
Orange for the Dutch West India Company because of in- 
sanity, July. 

The public tapsters of Rensselaerswyck refuse to allow Vice-Director 
de Decker of the West India Company to collect the liquor excise 
or measure their wine in stock, being so advised by Jan Baptiste 
Van Rensselaer, who held that money collected from his colony 
would be used by the West India Company to benefit Fort 
Orange but not Rensselaerswyck. He proposed that the matter 
be adjudicated by the courts, but the Director-General at New 
Amsterdam retorted that it would be lowering himself to enter 
into disputes with vassals, — the Van Rensselaers. In the end 
they had to appear and pay fines or be banished, July. 



1656. 



A general moving of the buildings from around Fort Orange (on the 
Steamboat Square) to the new village growing at the north- 
ward, between the Fuyck or Rutten kill (opening into the 
river at the foot of Hudson avenue) and the Foxen or Vossen 
kill (being the stream pouring down Canal street ravine, empty- 
ing into the river at the foot of Columbia street) . As a result, 
it was thought essential to have a place of defence nearer than 
the one mentioned, and subscriptions are taken to erect at the 
foot of Yonkers (State) street what would be a block-house in 
time of hostilities and a church when things were peaceful. 
Rensselaerswyck and Beverswyck were united in the expense, 
the magistrates of Beverswyck volunteering 1,500 guilders and 
the Patroon of Rensselaerswyck subscribing 1,000 guilders, 

Feb. 18. 

The Fort Orange and Beverswyck magistrates write a request to the 
Director-General at New Amsterdam for a liberal contribution 
to help build the new church that is required in place of the 
small, old building (of 1646) a short distance northwest of 
Fort Orange, March 10. 

Some of the inhabitants prefer to worship according to the profes- 
sion of Augsburg, as Lutherans ; but the withdrawal of such 
persons from the Dutch Church is regarded as unlawful, and 
Vice-Director de Decker, acting in the interests of the Dutch 
West India Company, interdicts them. However, the Luther- 
ans continue to assemble, March 10. 



50 Founding. 

1656-1657. 

Having received no reply to the appeal of March loth, from New 
Amsterdam, the local magistrates again address themselves to 
the officials on Manhattan Island, saying they " are much 
suprised that no answer to our last letter, at least none on the 
subject of our expected collection there, has been received by us 
* * * in the event of a failure we should be very much dis- 
turbed and distressed ; even if everything should turn out for the 
best, it would be very difficult to collect the remainder from 
the church here," April 8. 

The magistrates sign a contract with Jan Van Aecken " to set the 
church so far on his smithy as the width of the door, on 
condition that we set up his house according to the direction of 
Rem Janssen and leave a suitable lot for the bakery and re- 
move the large house at our own expense," May 13. 

Corner-stone of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church is laid by 
Rutger Jacobsen, magistrate, Dominie Schaets officiating in 
the presence of the civic authorities, its location being a little 
to the west and up the incline of the hill, of the exact center 
of intersection of Yonkers (State) and Handelaars or Market 
(Broadway) streets, and the second religious edifice ever 
erected at Fort Orange, is constructed like a block-house, with 
loop-holes, on top are to be placed three small cannon, facing 
the three roads, June 2. 

Johannes de la Montagne appointed Vice-Director of Fort Orange, 

Sept. 28. 



1 657. 



Inhabitants of Beverswyck avail themselves of the privilege of 
enrolling as great berghers or citizens (burghers recht) by 
paying 50 guilders to the burgomaster, and thus were entitled 
to hold office, and to exemption from confiscation of property and 
attainder on conviction for a capital offence. Small burghers 
paid 20 guilders and must be such as were native-born, had 
resided in the place and kept fire and light therein one year 
and six weeks, or had married a native-born daughter of a 
burgher; these might engage in trade and could join guilds, 
all according to the law passed at this date, Feb. 2. 

Directors of the Dutch West India Company write from Amsterdam 
to Director Stuyvesant regarding their interest in the comple- 
tion of the new Dutch Church at the foot of Yonkers (State) 




DUTCH CHURCH. 

The first congregation founded here was the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, 
1642, whose first edifice was at Madison ave. aud Church St., west of Fort Orange. 
It removed to center of State st. and Broadway ; corner-stone June 2, 1656. A stone 
building (picture) was made about the wooden one in 1715 ; removed 1806. 



Founding. 51 

1657-1658. 



street: "In this vessel, Vergulde Meulen (Gilt Mill), is sent 
a small kerk klockje (church bell) which had been solicited 
by the inhabitants of Fort Orange and the village of Bevers- 
wyck for their newly-built little church. Whereas the twenty- 
five beaver-skins which were brought here by Dirck Janssen 
Croon were greatly damaged, which he intended to defray 
from their sale the payment of a predickstoel (pulpit), and 
by which misfortune this sum was not sufficient, so we listened 
to his persuasion and advanced him seventy-five guilders pur- 
posely to inspire the congregation with more ardent zeal," 

April 7. 

Several Mohawk sachems come to Fort Orange to request Vice- 
Director La Montague to aid them in the expected assault by 
the Senecas. They desire horses to convey trees from the 
woods, with which to make palisades, and also the promise 
that in event of a conflict their squaws may find refuge at 
Beverswyck. They also desire to borrow a cannon to be used 
to summon their warriors from the forests in case of a sudden 
battle with tomahawks, which mode of warfare would not 
announce that a conflict was in progress, June. 

The magistrates of Beverswyck reply that they have control over 
no horses, but they could induce the inhabitants to rent them, 
and would care for their women. Regarding the cannon, they 
would address the Director-General at Manhattan, June. 

Dominies Megapolensis and Drisius write to the classis of Amster- 
dam, Holland, that " the condition of the congregation there 
(Fort Orange) is most gratifying; it grows stronger apace, 
so as to be almost as strong as we are here at Manhattan," 

Aug. 5. 

Dirk Ben Slick pays Francois Boon for his labor making the 
predickstoel (pulpit) and hanging the bell in the Dutch Re- 
formed church at the foot of Yonkers (State) street, 32 florins, 

Aug. 10. 



1658. 



Jeremias Van Rensselaer (the second son of Kiliaen) succeeds his 
brother Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer (who had come to America 
in 165 1 ) as the Director of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck. 

Beaver-skins numbering 37,640, and 300 otter-skins shipped from 
the vicinity of Fort Orange during the year, December. 



52 Founding. 

1659. 

1659. 

The Mohawk nation fears an invasion of the French from Canada 
and appeals to the Dutch at Fort Orange as follows : " The 
Dutch call us brothei-s and declare that we and they are joined 
together with chains, but that lasts only as long as we have 
beavers; after that no attention is paid to us. * * * We 
have heard of the coming of our enemies, the French. If we 
drink too much liquor we cannot fight. We therefore desire 
you not to sell any brandy to our people, but to put the bung 
in our casks. * * * When we go away now, we shall 
take away a considerable quantity of brandy, and after that 
no more, for we will burn our kegs. * * * We desire 
that the smiths should repair our things, even when our people 
have no money, or let them have much or little wampum. ■'' 
:;. * We ask that the gunmakers shall hurry making the guns 
and not let us wait so long and lose time. When we come 
from the country and the muskets are all repaired, we have 
no powder. You must therefore give us some powder, and 
when the enemy comes you must be willing to help us. You 
are too timid. Send fifty or sixty men to assist us. * * ''"' 
Look at the French and see what they do for their savages 
when they are in distress. Do as they do and help us 
repair our palisades. * '■' * Come to us with thirty men 
and with horses to chop and carry wood to our stockades and 
assist in repairing them. The Dutch can drag their wood- 
sleds into the country," .September 6. 

The Dutch of Fort Orange, realizing the importance of retaining 
the friendship of their Indian allies, present the Mohawks with 
beaver-skin coats and the magistrates deem it a wise course 
to distribute 50 guilders among the sachems, September. 

It is determined that twenty-five men, among them Arendt Van 
Curler, Philip Pietersen Schuyler, Jeremias Van Rensselaer, 
Adriaen Gerritsen. Francois Boon and Volckert Jansen (Douw), 
be delegated to go from Fort Orange and make a new treaty 
with the Mohawks at Kaghnuwage, on Cayadutta creek where 
it empties into the Mohawk (about 40 miles west of Albany) 
while the savages are feeling agreeably disposed towards the 
Dutch because of recent presents and their urgent need of 
help from Fort Orange in their defense against the French, 

September. 




DUTCH CHURCH PULPIT. 
It was shipped from Holland on April 7, 1657. on the Gilt Mill and was 



placed in the church at foot of State St., Aug. 10, 1657- 
First Dutch Reformed Church on No. Pearl st. 



In 1906 it was in the 



Founding. 53 

1659. 

The twenty-five delegates from Fort Orange to the Mohawks at 
Kaghnuwage present them with 15 axes, 11 boxes of wampum, 
knives, 75 pounds of powder and 100 pounds of lead, and 
while seated about the council-fire address them as follows : 
" Brothers, we have come here only to renew our old friend- 
ship and brotherhood. You must tell it to your children. Ours 
will know it for all time to come, and will be reminded of it 
bv the writings which we shall bequeath to them. We shall 
die, but these will remain, and from them they will learn that 
we have lived with our brothers in peace. Brothers, we could 
not bring any cloth, for we could not get men to carry it. 
Merchandise cannot buy friendship. Our heart has always been 
good and still continues to be. If that is of no value to you, 
then we come not to purchase friendship even if the land 
were full of merchandise and beavers. * * * Brothers, 
sixteen years have passed since you and the Dutch made the 
first treaty of friendship and brotherhood that joined us together 
with an iron chain. Since that time it has not been broken 
either by us or by our brothers, and we have no fear that it 
will be broken by either of us. We will, therefore, not speak 
of it any more, but will always live as if we had one heart. 
* * * Brothers, eighteen days ago you were with us and 
made your proposals to your Dutch brothers. We did not 
give you a definite answer then for we were expecting Chief 
Stuyvesant and we promised to inform you when he should 
have arrived. He is now sick and cannot come. What we 
now say is ordered by Chief Stuyvesant, by all the other 
chiefs, and by all the' Dutch and their children. * * * 
Brothers, we speak for this and all future time, in our own 
behalf and in behalf of all the Dutch now in the country or 
who may yet come, and in behalf of all the children, for we 
cannot come here every day, .as the roads are very bad for 
traveling. Hereafter you must have no doubt of our remaining 
always brothers. Whenever some tribe or any savages, who- 
ever they may be, come to incite you to war and say that the 
Dutch intended to fight against you, do not regard them, do 
not believe them, but tell them they lie. We shall say the 
same of you if they tell the same of our brothers. We shall 
not believe any prattlers, neither shall we fight against you, 
nor will we leave you in distress if we are able to help you. 
But we cannot compel our smiths and gunmakers to repair the 
muskets of our brothers without pay, for the gunsmiths must 



54 Founding. 

1659. 

earn food for their wives and children, who otherwise would 
perish from hunger. If the smiths were to receive no wampum 
for their work they would remove from our country, and then 
we and our brothers would be much embarrassed. * * * 
Brothers, eighteen days ago you requested us not to sell brandy 
to your people and to bung our casks. Brothers, do not allow 
your people to come to us for brandy and none shall be sold 
them. Only two days ago we met twenty to thirty kegs on the 
road all going to obtain brandy. Our chiefs are very angry 
because the Dutch sell brandy to your people, and always forbid 
our people to do it. Xow forbid your people to buy brandy. 
If you desire that we should take the brandy and the kegs 
containing it from your people, say it before all these people, 
and if we afterward do it you must not be angry. Brothers, 
we now give you a present of powder and lead, which you 
must not waste if you want to attack your enemies. Rightly 
use it and divide it among your young men. Brothers, we 
see that you are very busy cutting wood to build your fort. 
You asked us for horses to haul wood, but horses cannot do 
it, for the hills are too high and steep, and your Dutch brothers 
cannot carry the wood because they have become too weak in 
marching to this place, as you may perc'eive by looking at 
them. * * * Inasmuch as our brothers sometimes break 
their axes in cutting wood, we now present you with fifteen 
axes. Brothers, as some of your people and some Mahicanders 
and Sinnekus sometimes kill our horses, cows, pigs and goats, 
we ask our brothers to forbid their people to do it," 

September 24. 

The Fort Orange delegates start on their return, and on reading a 
letter just received from Vice-Director La Montague, stating 
that the River Indians were fighting the Dutch settlers at 
Esopus, the Alohawk chief says to them that should the River 
Indians apply to them for aid in waging warfare against the 
Dutch, he will say to them, " Begone you beasts, you pigs ; 
depart from us, we will have nothing to do with you," 

September 25. 

The inhabitants of Rensselaerswyck and Beverswyck fearing an 
attack by the River Indians, located about Esopus, Saugerties 
and along the west shore of the river principally, commence 
erecting an enormous stockade to comprise about the entire 
settlement, October. 



Founding. 55 

1660. 

1660. 

Jacob Leyseler (Leisler, as commonly spelled later), a German of 
Frankfort (by his own statement in writing, and who is to 
occupy the most prominent role in the Province of New York, 
particularly at Albany, in 1689), is sent over by the Dutch West 
India Company from Amsterdam, in the ship Golden Otter, 
too poor to pay 13.8 florins for his musket, and for a bed and 
chest 3.10 florins, as v/ell as being in debt to Hendrick Stend- 
ericker for a loan of 50 florins pledged on his soldier's pay, 
as noted in an entry made on the books of the company, 

April. 

The River Indians conclude a peace treaty with the Dutch at 
Esopus, and thus terminates the warfare, the people of Fort 
Orange becoming less timorous, July 15. 

The enormous new stockade surrounding Rensselaerswyck and 
Beverswyck, now completed, enclosing the area from Hudson 
avenue northward along the river to a point about one hundred 
feet north of the foot of Maiden Lane, to the northeast corner 
of Broadway and Steuben street, to North Pearl street at a 
place 192 feet north of Maiden Lane, to State street at about 
the intersection of Lodge street, to South Pearl street at a 
point near Beaver street, to a point on Green street 75 feet 
north of Hudson avenue, to the corner of Broadway and 
Hudson avenue, and thence to the river at the Fuyck kill's 
mouth, all of which is to be paid for by a tax of 3 guilders 
on each chimney, as agreed by ordinance this day. July 25. 

Considerable trouble is experienced by the custom of Dutch fur 
merchants sending out boschloopers (forest-runners) into the 
woods as agents to buy up furs being brought to the settle- 
ments by the Indians, the runners often surrounding the owner 
of a skin for sale and sometimes beat him into an unconscious 
condition in the altercation over a barter between competitors. 
The Indians complain as follows to Director Stuyvesant : " We 
request that we may barter our beavers at pleasure and may 
not be locked up by the Dutch, but may go with our beavers 
where we please, without being beaten. When we are some- 
times in a trader's house and wish to go to another's to buy 
goods which suit us, then we get a good beating, so that wf^ 
do not know where our e3^es are. This conduct ought not to 
continue ; each ought to be allowed to go where he pleases and 
where the goods suit him best," August. 



56 Founding. 

1661-1662. 



1661. 

A movement is started by Arendt Van Curler to locate families 
from Beverswyck on the Great Flat (Groote Vlachte, site of 
Schenectady), provided he may be granted land by the Dutch 
West India Company, believing secretly that they would be 
the first ones to secure animal skins as they are being brought 
to Fort Orange by the savages, May. 

Director-General Stuyvesant grants the petition of Arendt Van 
Curler and others to purchase land of the Mohawk Indians, to 
found a settlement at site of Schenectady, June 23. 

Arendt Van Curler and his friends at Fort Orange purchase the 
land called Schonowe by the Mohawks, at site of Schenectady, 

July 27. 



1662. 



Three Frenchmen arrive at Beverswyck in famished condition, 
having eaten onl}'- berries and bark for nine days after their 
escape from a band of Mohawks and Oneidas, who had made 
an attack upon an outpost near INIontreal and killed 14 French 
soldiers and 80 Indians, July- 

Conferences held at Fort Orange between Director-General Stuy- 
vesant of New Amsterdam, two delegates sent by the governors 
of Boston and Nova Scotia, and the Mohawk chiefs to inquire 
why the latter had broken faith and allowed three hundred of 
the tribe to foray about the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers, 
killing cattle and burning barns. The promise is made not to 
trespass on the English settlements, or go into Connecticut to 
commit depredations there, as threatened, August. 

The inhabitants of Rensselaerswyck and Beverswyck discover that 
the new settlers on the Great Flat (Schenectady) are obtaining 
all the furs that are daily brought from the westward by the 
Indians, which greatly lessens the trade of those villages on 
the Hudson, and forthwith formally petition Director-General 
Stuyvesant at New Amsterdam to prohibit this procedure by 
a law and penalty, that the trade may not be interrupted on 
its course to Fort Orange. 
Capt. Jacob Leisler, who had been sent over from Amsterdam by 
the Dutch West India Company in April, 1660, on the Golden 
Otter, marries Elsje Tymans, the daughter of Anneke Janse's 
sister, Alaritje, and widow of Pieter Cornelise Van der Veen. 









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Founding. 57 

1663. 

1663. 



Dirk Van Schelluyne, notary public of Beverswyck, draws the will 
for Anneke Janse (Bogardus), residing at the time in her 
own home at the northeast corner of Yonkers (State) street 
and Middle Lane (James street), she being sick in bed and 
expecting to die, which is witnessed by Rutger Jacobsen and 
Evert Janse Wendell. This will provides for the disposal of 
her estate in New Amsterdam (New York city) which consists 
of an enormous farm, reaching from Broadway to the Hudson 
river and Warren to Christopher street (later to become the 
property of Trinity Church and contested by innumerable 
descendants), . -'^"' ^, 

The West India Company's engineer, Jacques Corte jon, is directed 
not to survey any land for those who would settle at the Grootc 
Vlachte (Schenectady) unless each tenant or purchaser signs 
the following instrument: " We, the undersigned, proprietors 
of land on the flat, * * * promise herewith that we will 
have no dealings with the savages, whatever name they may 
have on the said flat or thereabouts, nor will we permit such 
trade under any pretext whatsoever, neither directly nor in- 
directly, under the penalty that if we or any of us should 
hereafter happen to forget this, our promise, we shall pay as 
a fine, without any resistance whatever, the first time fifty 
beavers, the second time one hundred, and the third time 
forfeit the land allotted to and obtained by us on the aforesaid 
flat This we confirm by our signatures at Fort Urange, 

January. 

\rendt Van Curler and others who were to form a settlement at 

the site of Schenectady object to abandoning the profitable fur 

trade since that had been their object in locating at the new 

place,' saying: "We bought the land with our own money 

ior the company (to be repaid at a convenient time), took 

possession of it with much expense, erected buildings on it, 

and stocked it with horses and cattle. If the proprietors are 

to be treated in a different manner or with less consideration 

than the other inhabitants, then all their labor has been un^e^ 

warded, and they are completely ruined. * * * Inasmuch 

as the survevor is now here, but has no order to survey the 

and unless this pledge is signed, we request that the ^.u-veyor 

be authorized to survey the land in order to prevent differences 



58 Founding. 

1663. 

and disputes among us, else we shall be compelled to help 
ourselves as best we can.'' 

River Indians massacre 21 persons at Esopus, and make 42 prison- 
ers, June 7. 

Stuyvesant sends orders to Beverswyck to take warning by the 
Esopus massacre and adequately fortify the place, removing all 
huts from near the fort by the river, June 12. 

Stuyvesant requests that Beverswyck send to him four cannon, 
needful in fortifying outlying settlements near Manhattan, and 
suggests that some soldiers be sent to Esopus; also, that the 
Mohawks capture some of the River Indians in order that they 
might be employed in an exchange for the Dutchmen captured 
on the 7th at Esopus, June 15. 

Stuyvesant sides with the inhabitants of Fort Orange, and orders 
that no goods be forwarded to Schenectady and that the West 
India Company's commissary proceed there with magistrates 
to " take up the goods and merchandise already there," 

June 18. 

Vice-Director La Montague at Fort Orange writes to Stuyvesant 
at New Amsterdam, that the removal of wooden dwellings from 
near the fort would entail too severe a loss upon the inhabitants, 
and as a consequence the Dutch West India Company would 
have to indemnify them, June 23. 

La Montague writes that were he to send four cannon to New 
Amsterdam there would be but two left in the fort as " Mr. 
Rensselaer claims three of these pieces and demands them 
immediately to place them in a little fort or fortification at 
Greenbush that they have built there (Fort Crailo), and if your 
honor takes four from those remaining not more than two 
would be left us. It is true that there are still three light 
pieces which the magistrates brought from Mr. Rensselaer's 
place in 1656, and placed on the church," June 29. 

The Dutch hold a colonial assembly (landts vergaderinge) at New 
Amsterdam, with delegates from Breucklen, Bergen, Haarlem, 
New Utrecht and other nearby places present; but none from 
Rensselaerswyck or Beverswyck, it being too near the winter 
for them to risk sailing down, with the object of complaining 
about the many deplorable conditions to the Dutch West India 
Company, and pointing out several promises made in 1629 in 
the charter of privileges and exemptions, by maintaining their 
individual rights to the lands settled upon, whereas the English 
are secretly planning to overthrow these claims by obtaining 
possession of the country under pretense of ownership under 




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Founding. 59 

1663-1664. 



the Cabot discoveries in North America in 1497, declaring: 
" The Eng-Hsh, to conceal their plans, now declare that there 
is no proof, no legal instrument or patent from their high 
mightinesses to substantiate and justify our rights and claims 
to the possession of this province, and insinuate that by the 
delay of their mightinesses to grant such patent, you seemingly 
intended to place the people here on slippery ice, giving them 
lands to which your honors had no right whatever ; that this 
is, indeed, the real cause of our being kept continually in a 
labyrinth, and the reason why the well-intentioned English 
settled under your government are at a loss how to perform, 
the obligations of their oaths. * * * There is no doubt 
then, at least the apprehension is very strong, that we must 
expect the loss of the whole of this province ; or that it will 
be circumscribed with such narrow limits that it will resemble 
only a useless carcass, devoid of limbs and form, deprived of 
all its internal parts, its head separated from its trunk, and 
your remonstrants, consequently, so closely cooped up, if not 
entirely crushed, that they at last will be compelled, to their 
irreparable ruin, to abandon this country in despair, and become 
outcasts with their families," Nov. i. 

Plague of smallpox at Fort Orange, with more than one death 
daily in the small settlement (a large percentage), and it is 
said that so many as a thousand Indians above New Amsterdam 
had died of it, November. 



1664. 



King Charles II. heeds the counsel of those who, perceiving that 
the Hudson River territory in America is yielding profitable 
returns by its enormous fur trade with Holland, would assert 
the right of previous discovery, and so to bring about the con- 
version of New Netherland to the English dominion he grants 
New England, Long Island, the Hudson River and the land 
west of Connecticut to the eastern bounds of Delaware Bay, 
to his brother, James, Duke of York and Albany; allowing 
him four men-of-war and 450 men under Col. Richard Nicolls, 
to carry his plans of subjugation into effect, March 12. 

A call is issued for a General Assembly of the Lords and Council 
of New Netherland, to be held at New Amsterdam, March 19. 

The court of Rensselaerswyck deputizes Director Jeremias Van 



6o Founding. 

1664. 

Rensselaer and Secretary Dirck Van Schelluyne to attend the 
General Assembly as the colony's representatives, April 3. 

For the second time the General Assembly convenes, in the New 
Amsterdam City Hall, because of the alarm that the English 
are likely to possess the property of the Dutch of New Nether- 
land, the Fort Orange delegates to it being Messrs. Gerrit Van 
Slechtenhorst and Jan Verbeck; those from Rensselaerswyck, 
Dirck Van Schelluyne and Jeremias Van Rensselaer, and as 
the latter colony was the oldest in New Netherland, the last- 
named delegate is made president of the Assembly, April 10. 

After a debate by the General Assembly as to methods to employ to 
thwart the designs of the English and a recess of a week, 
despatches are received from Holland that inform them that 
on January 23rd of this year the Lords States-General had 
reaffirmed the validity of the charter given on June 3, 1621, 
by their high mightinesses to the West India Company, and 
the company desires that they exterminate the Esopus Indians 
and fight any incursion of the avaricious English, April. 

Stuyvesant concludes that as the English outnumber the Dutch 
six to one, it were best not to think of contending at arms 
with them, and that regarding the Indians, the better part of 
valor would be an amicable agreement, May i. 

Director-General Stuyvesant and the River Indians' chiefs sign a 
peace treaty at Fort Amsterdam, May 16. 

It is ordered by proclamation that the formation of a peace treaty 
be celebrated throughout New Netherland, May 31. 

A day of general thanksgiving because of the favorable outlook 
for peace throughout New Netherland, June 4. 

Indians, instigated by word sent from the English, kill nine cattle 
on the Van Rensselaer farm in Greenbush, July 7. 

Stuyvesant learns that the English fleet is on its way to New 
Netherland, and writes to Vice-Director La Montague and 
Jeremias Van Rensselaer to warn the inhabitants of Fort 
Orange and Rensselaerswyck, as well as to plead assistance to 
protect Manhattan, which of necessity is prone to be the first 
place of attack by men-of-war, as follows : " These few lines 
only serve to communicate the information furnished to-day by 
different persons concerning the English frigates that have so 
long been spoken of. That they have already put to sea and 
are manned and armed as was admitted and confirmed is 
beyond a doubt, but their destination is still mere report as the 
inclosed information implies, yet from the circumstances it 
may be presumed without difficulty that they might indeed come 



Founding. 6i 

1664. 

directly here to this river. We have thought it necessary to 
give your honor and those of the colony of Rensselaerswyck 
speedy notice and knowledge thereof, to the end that you and 
we may be on our guard and prepare for all possible resistance, 
and as it is apparent that this place may bear the first and the 
severest shock, and if lost, little hope would remain for the 
rest, we would therefore earnestly recommend you, with all 
possible speed, according to the promise given at the General 
Assembly, to furnish such assistance, especially powder and 
lead, as circumstances may in any way permit, the sooner the 
better, for the need is pressing. At the same time we would 
recommend and pray you to negotiate a loan of five or six 
thousand guilders in wampum for the honorable company, and 
to send it down by the first opportunity to pay the laboring 
people. The obligations, you may be assured, will be repaid 
satisfactorily, either in negroes or other commodities, in case 
the gracious God, as we hope and wish, will grant a favorable 
result," July 8. 

Indians burn the residence of Abraham Staats and himself, while 
his wife and one negro are not to be found, July ii. 

A letter is sent to Pieter Stuyvesant by the magistrates, stating: 
" We are in great trouble, peril and perplexity. Now in reply 
to your honor's letter of the eighth of July, handed us this 
day by Gerrit Virbeck, respecting what you have been pleased 
to communicate to us concerning the frigates, we have scarcely 
any doubt of the probability of their coming to attack us as 
appears from the reports of the Indians and the declarations 
made here to the court, according to the papers accompanying 
this communication. Wherefore we request your honors to 
aid us with your wise counsel. * * * Respecting the supply 
of powder and lead which your honors have been pleased to 
request, the Director and Council will be so good as to consider 
that in this emergency we have the greatest need of what is 
very scarce here," July H- 

Affairs at Fort Orange are in the greatest uncertainty at this time, 
and the inhabitants in mortal dread, not only of the approach- 
ing conflict with the English ; but discovering that the Indians 
of the vicinity have been threatened with extinction unless 
they murder and pillage at the Dutch settlements, a chief of the 
River Indians coming up the Hudson to warn them in a spirit 
of friendship, as follows : " Brothers, we will conceal nothing 
from you since you have lived among us a very long time 
and have had your wives and children among us, and you 



62 Founding. 

1664. 

understand our language quite well. The English told and 
commanded the savages to fight and kill the Maquaas and the 
Dutch ; and the English threatened, that if they did not do it, 
to kill them. They further told that forty vessels are coming 
from Europe to wage war and demand the surrender of the 
country, and if we decline to surrender that they will kill us 
to the last man, and then the English will fight against the 
Dutch," July 12. 

One of the four English frigates is seen off Sandy Hook entering 
the bay, July 26. 

Three more English frigates enter the bay at Manhattan, join the 
other, and all sail up the river, anchoring in Nyack Bay, July 27. 

Stuyvesant writes of occurrences to the Fort Orange officials, add- 
ing : " Yesterday, being Thursday, three more arrived and 
sailed up into Najack Bay, where they are still at anchor. 
* * * Evidently it is to be inferred that they will endeavor 
to reduce not only this capital but also the whole province 
to obedience to England. The naval and military force from 
old England is estimated at seventeen hundred; some say two 
thousand men, in addition to the crowd daily expected from 
New England. You can easily imagine in what a state of 
embarrassment and anxiety we find ourselves without the hope 
of any relief. Therefore this serves chiefly to warn your 
honors and all friends particularly and mainly not to send 
down any beavers nor peltries for fear of their falling into the 
hands of the English. It is desired, and, indeed, it is most 
necessary that your honors should assist us with some aid in 
men and powder, in case any hope or means remain of trans- 
porting and bringing them here in season and safety," July 29. 

Director-General Stuyvesant sails for Fort Orange to explain that 
an amicable adjustment at this crisis is likely, as King Charles 
II. of England was dealing with the people in Holland so as 
" to bring all of his dominions under one form of government, 
both in church and state," July 31. 

Stuyvesant, who thought matters had quieted down before he 
undertook to visit Fort Orange on the last day of July, ended 
his visit at Fort Orange suddenly and sailed for New Amster- 
dam, because the people there had clamored that all business 
was abandoned on the news that the English men-of-war had 
reached Boston, and that they expected the Duke of York 
and Albany to possess their city any day, and the Director 
arrives back at Manhattan to assume the difficult task of con- 
tinuing the control of the place for the Dutch, Aug. 25. 






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Founding. 63 

1664. 

Col. Richard Nicolls, commander of the EngHsh fleet of King 
Charles II., demands the surrender of New Amsterdam, 

Aug. 30. 
Gen. Pieter Stuyvesant asserts the rights of the Dutch at Man- 
hattan and throughout New Netherland in an endeavor to per- 
suade Colonel Nicolls to depart, Sept. i. 
The Dutch and English commissioners seek an amicable adjust- 
ment, and draw up articles of surrender to the English, 

Sept. 6. 
Director-General Pieter Stuyvesant, chief officer for the Dutch 
West India Company of Holland in New Netherland (later 
the Province and then the State of New York), that company 
having a grant by which it had possession under the protection 
of Holland, signs reluctantly the document of surrender to 
the English. The articles of agreement read : " I. We con- 
sent that the States-General, or the West India Company, shall 
freely in joy all farms and houses (except such as are in the 
forts), and that within six months, they shall have free liberty 
to transport all such arms and ammunition as now does belong 
to them, or else they shall be paid for them. II. All publique 
houses shall continue for the uses which they are for. III. All 
people shall still continue free denizens, and shall in joy their 
lands, goods, wheresoever they are within this country, and dis- 
pose of them as they please. IV. If any inhabitant have a mind 
to remove himself, he shall have a year and six weeks from this 
day to move himself, wife, children, servants, goods, and to 
dispose of his lands here. V. If any officer of state, or pub- 
lique minister of state, have a mind to go for England, they 
shall be transported fraught free, in his Majesty's frigotts, 
when these frigotts shall return thither. VI. It is consented 
to, that any people may freely come from the Netherlands and 
plant in this colony, and that Dutch vessels may freely come 
hither, and any of the Dutch may freely return home, or send 
any sort of merchandise home, in vessels of their own country. 
VII. All ships from the Netherlands, or any other place and 
goods therein, shall be received here, and sent hence, after the 
manner which formerly they were before our coming hither, 
for six months next ensuing. VIII. The Dutch here shall 
injoy the liberty of their consciences in divine worship and 
church discipline. IX. No Dutchman here, or Dutch ship here, 
shall upon any occasion, be pressed to serve in war against any 
nation whatsoever. X. That the townsmen of the Manhattans 
shall not have any soldiers quartered upon them, without being 



64 Founding. 

1664. 

satisfied and paid for them by their officers, and that at this 
present, if the fort be not capable of lodging all the soldiers, 
then the Burgomasters, by their officers, shall appoint some 
houses capable to receive them. XI. The Dutch here shall 
injoy their own customs concerning their inheritances. XII. 
All publique writings and records, which concern the inherit- 
ances of any people, or the reglement of the church or poor, 
or orphans, shall be carefully kept by those in whose hands 
now they are, and such writings as particularly concern the 
States-General, may at any time be sent to them. XIII. No 
judgment that has passed any judicature here, shall be called 
in question, but if any conceive that he hath not had justice 
done him, if he apply himself to the States-General, the other 
party shall be bound to answer for the supposed injury. XIV. 
If any Dutch living here shall at any time desire to travaile 
or traffique into England, or any place, or plantation, in obedi- 
ence to his Majesty of England, or with the Indians, he shall 
have (upon his request to the Governor) a certificate that he is 
a free denizen of this place, and liberty to do so. XV. If it do 
appear, that there is a publique engagement of debt, by the town 
of Manhatoes, and a way agreed on for the satisfying of that 
engagement, it is agreed, that the same way proposed shall go 
on, and that the engagement shall be satisfied. XVI. All in- 
ferior civil officers and magistrates shall continue as now they 
are (if they please), till the customary time of new elections, 
and then new ones to be chosen by themselves, provided that 
such new chosen magistrates shall take the oath of allegiance 
to His Majesty of England before they enter upon their office. 
XVII. All differences of contracts and bargains made before 
this day, by any in this country, shall be determined according 
to the manner of the Dutch. XVIII. If it do appeare that the 
West India Company of Amsterdam do really owe any 
sums of money to any persons here, it is agreed that 
recognition and other duties payable by ships going for the 
Netherlands, be contiued for six months longer. XIX. The 
officers, military and soldiers shall march out with their arms, 
drums beating, and colours flying, and lighted matches ; and 
if any of them will plant, they shall have fifty acres of land 
set out for them ; if any of them will serve as servants, they 
shall contiue with all safety, and become free denizens after- 
wards. XX. If, at any time hereafter, the King of Great 
Britain and the States of the Netherland do agree that this 
place and country be re-delivered into the hands of the said 



Founding. 65 

1664. 

States, whensoever his Majestic will send his commands 
to re-deliver it, it shall immediately be done. XXI. That 
the town of Manhattans shall choose deputyes, and those 
deputyes shall have free voyces in all publique affairs, as much 
as any other deputyes. XXII. Those who have any property 
in any houses in the fort of Aurania, shall (if they please) 
slight the fortifications there, and then injoy all their houses as 
all people do where there is no fort. XXIII. If there be any 
soldiers that will go into Holland, and if the company of West 
India in Amsterdam, or any private persons here will transport 
them into Holland, then they shall have a safe passport from 
Colonel Richard Nicolls, deputy governor under his Royal 
Highness, and the other commissioners, to defend the ships 
that shall transport such soldiers and all the goods in them, 
from any surprizal or acts of hostility, to be done by any of His 
Majesty's ships or subjects. That the copies of the King's 
grant to his Royal Highness, and the copy of his Royal High- 
ness's commission to Colonel Richard Nicolls, testified by two 
commissioners more, and Mr. Winthrop, to be true copies, shall 
be delivered to the Honourable Mr. Stuyvesant, the present 
Governor, on iMonday next, by eight of the clock in the morn- 
ing, at the Old Miln, and these articles consented to, and signed 
by Colonel Richard Nicolls, deputy-governor to his Royal High- 
ness, and that within two hours after the fort and town called 
New Amsterdam, upon the isle of Manhatoes, shall be delivered 
into the hands of the said Colonel Richard Nicolls, by the ser- 
vice of such as shall be by him thereunto deputed, by his hand 
and seal. John De Decker, Nich. Varleth, Sam. Mega- 

polensis, Cornells Steenwyck, Jacques Cousseau, Oloffe. 
S. Van Kortlandt, Robert Carr, Geo. Cartwright, John 
Winthrop, Sam. Willys, John Pinchon, Thomas Clarke." 

Sept. 8. 

Colonel Richard Nicolls, commander of the English fleet and repre- 
sentative of James, Duke of York and Albany, by grant of his 
royal brother. King Charles II., assumes the office of Governor 
of the new Province of New York, and re-christens the city of 
New Amsterdam as New York and Fort Amsterdam as Fort 
James, the Dutch relinquishing control of the fort and public 
offices to the English this day, Sept. 8. 

Johannes De Decker sails with all despatch from New Amsterdam 
for Fort Orange, hoping to arouse the inhabitants there to 
withstand the English should they next insist on turning the 
fort over to their control, Sept. 8. 



66 Founding. 

1664. 

Governor Nicolls sends Col. George Cartwright and Captains 
Daniel Broadhead and John Manning, with a portion of the 
militia, bearing a letter to the " magistrates and inhabitants of 
ffort Aurania " (a Latin form of "orange," applied to Fort 
Orange by the English), ordering a peaceful surrender in these 
words : " These are to will and require you and every of you 
to bee ayding and assisting to Col. George Cartwright in the 
prosecution of his Majesty's interest against all such of what 
nation soever as shall oppose the peaceable surrender and quiet 
possession of the fifort Aurania, and to obey him the said Col. 
George Cartwright according to such instructions as I have 
given him in case the Mohawks or other Indyans shall attempt 
any thing against the lives, goods or chattells of those who are 
now under the protection and obedience of his Majesty of Great 
Britaine ; wherefore you nor any of you are to fayle as you will 
answer the contrary at your utmost perills. Given under my 
hand and scale att ffort James in New Yorke on Manhattans 
Island, this tenth day of September, 1664. R. Nicolls." 

Sept. 10. 

Vice-Director Johannes de la Montague, for the Dutch West India 
Company, surrenders Fort Orange, the fort itself and the settle- 
ment about it, to the English, as represented by Col. George 
Cartwright, Sept. 24. 

• • * 

a I b a n ^» 

lEnciKsb IRule 
1664. 



The English being in absolute control of Fort Orange, Beverswyck 
and Rensselaerswyck, the place is formally named Albany in 
honor of James, Duke of York and Albany, brother of Charles 
II. of England, Sept. 24. 

Captain John Manning is placed in charge of Fort Albany (until 
now known as Fort Orange) and Dirk van Schelluyne made 
clerk of the Albany court. Jeremias Van Rensselaer takes the 
oath of allegiance to King Charles II., and is allowed to continue 
the conduct of his Manor the same as before, provided that his 
tenants also take the oath of allegiance and that within a year 
from October i8th he will take out a patent under the king, 

Sept. 25. 




DUKE OF YORK AND ALBANY. 
The city was named in honor of James, Duke of York and Albany, when 
the Dutch surrendered the place to the English, Sept. 24, 1664. 



Founding. 67 

1664-1665. 



The Mohawks and Senecas make a treaty with Colonel Cartwright, 
being given to understand that they are to enjoy the same bene- 
fits and rights as under the Dutch rule, October. 

Johannes de la Montague closes his term (since Sept. 28, 1656) as 
vice-director at Fort Orange for the Dutch West India Com- 
pany, October. 



1665. 



Governor Nicolls comes to Albany, and while here relieves Captain 
John Manning by placing Captain John Baker in charge of Fort 
Albany, and he is made the schout (sheriff) of Albany, August. 

Captain John Baker instructed, as commandant at Fort Albany, as 
follows : " In matters capitall or treatyes with ye Indians you 
are to sit in ye fort with ye shout and commissaryes as ye upper 
court whereof you are to bee president and upon equall division 
of voices to have the castinge & decisive voice. But in ye ordi- 
nary courts for civill affaires you have nothing to doe. You 
are to keepe a faire correspondence with ye commissaryes and 
towarde all ye inhabitants & endeavor to live as brothers to- 
gether, avoiding all occasion of publick controversy or falling 
out. But if you have any greevance make it knowne calmly 
without heate or passion to ye court. And if they do not give 
redresse you are to remitt ye matter to mee as it was delivered 
to ye court. Lett not your eares bee abused with private 
storyes of ye Dutch being disaffected to ye English, for 
generally wee can not expect they love us. But when you have 
any sufficient testimony against any Dutchman of words or 
actions tending to ye breach of peace or scandalous defamcon 
deliver over the testimonyes to the comisaryes from whom I 
expect justice shall bee done. You are to cause the guard 
house to be repaired, as also other necessarye repaires to bee 
made, with as little expence as is possible, knowing the narrow- 
ness of our present condition. If it shall at any time happen 
that ye Indyans committ any violence at or neare Albany, you 
are to joyne in councell with ye comissaryes what is best to 
bee done till my further directions can bee knowne." September. 

Governor Nicolls, at New York city, licenses Jan Jurrianse Becker 
to teach in the Dutch tongue, and appoints John Shutte to be 
the first English school-teacher at Albany, giving the following 
license : " Whereas the teaching of the English Tongue is 
necessary in this Government ; I have, therefore, thought fitt to 



68 Founding. 

1665-1666. 



give License to John Shntte to bee thi English Schoohnaster at 
Albany : And upon condition that the said John Shutte shall 
not demand any more wages from each Schollar than is given 
by the Dutch to their Dutch Schoolmasters. I have further 
granted to the said John Shutte that hee shall bee the only 
English Schoolmaster at Albany." Oct. 12. 



1666. 



Daniel de Remy de Courcelles leads 300 French militia and 200 
Canadians to punish the Mohawks along the river of that name 
and teach them to beware how they make any further raids into 
Canada ; but when nearing Schenectady his party is ambuscaded 
by the Mohawks, whose scouts had given timely warning, 

February. 

Albanians, having just begun to realize a change of government to 
the British realm from the Dutch, are surprised to learn that a 
large body of French soldiers under De Courcelles is within 
twenty miles of their city, and wonder whether they are to be 
submitted to a rapacious conflict for territory to be added to 
the French possessions, Feb. 19. 

Three prominent citizens are delegated to go to Schenectady at once 
and learn why De Courcelles had marched a French force into a 
British dominion, and he explained, adding that he had not 
heard about the change of government from Dutch to English. 
He willingly agrees to return without delay to Canada, where- 
upon he is aided with provisions and some wine, Feb. 20. 

The dispute as to whether Albany is in Rensselaerswyck or that place 
in Albany, a matter of precedence in settlement and land grants, 
continues, and becomes a mooted question now that there had 
been a change of government for the village adjoining on the 
south, Beverswyck or Fort Orange. Hence, Jeremias Van 
Rensselaer seeks to discover the views held by Governor Nic- 
olls, writing an implication to the latter at New York that the 
place Albany extended upon the Manor and that part was there- 
fore under the Rensselaerswyck court, Oct. 25. 

Governor Nicolls tells Jeremias Van Rensselaer that he is in error 
regarding the extent of the court of Rensselaerswyck's juris- 
diction, stating in a letter to him as follows : " By the date of 
yr letter from Renzelaerwicke, in Albany, the 25th, I perceive 







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Founding. 69 

1666-1669. 



that you conclude the Towne of Albany to be part of Renzelaer- 
wicke. I give you friendly advice not to grasp at too much 
authority, and you may probably obtaine the post more to yr 
profitt. * * * jf yQ^ imagine there is pleasure in titles of 
Government I wish that I could serve your appetite, for I have 
found onely trouble. You seem to plead for a succession to yr 
brother Baptista as of right belonging to you. * * * gg^-^ 
yr heart therefore at rest to be contented with the profitt not the 
government of a Colony till we heare from His Royall High- 
ness." i November. 



1667. 



The Staats residence erected at the south-east corner of Pearl and 

Yonkers (State) streets, 
Pleasanter relations established throughout the Province of New 

York by the treaty of Breda made by the English, July 31. 

Hendrick Van Rensselaer, second son of Jeremias, born at Rensse- 

laerswyck Manor, Oct. 23. 



1668. 



Sir Francis Lovelace succeeds Col. Richard Nicolls as the Governor 

of New York, Aug. 28. 

Ludovicus Cobes made clerk of the Albany court, September. 



1669. 



Rev. Jacobus Fabricius of Germany allowed to officiate for the 
Lutherans throughout the entire province by Governor Love- 
lace, February. 

Rev. Fabricius while enjoying his function of Lutheran pastor at 
Albany, apparently infringes on the rights of the court, for after 
he fined Helmer Otten 1,000 Rix dollars for being married to 
Adriantze Arentz by a magistrate. Governor Lovelace heeds the 
complaint of the magistrate and forthwith suspends him, April. 

The Duke of Albany sends orders, having been appealed to, that the 
Lutherans are to be given freest sort of tolerance at Albany, and 



70 Founding. 

1669-1672. 



Governor Lovelace conveys this information in a letter to the 
magistrates, as follows : " I have lately received Letters from 
ye Duke wherein it is particularly signified unto me that his 
Royall Highness doth approve of ye Toleration given to ye 
Lutheran Church in these partes, I doe therefore Expect that 
you live friendly & peaceably with those of that profession 
giving them no disturbance in ye Exercis of their Religion as 
they shall receive noe Countenance in, but on ye 'Contrary 
strictly Answer any disturbance they shall presume to give unto 
any of you in your divine Worship." Oct. 13. 



1670. 



Lieutenant Salisbury succeeds Captain Baker in the command of 
the Fort Albany (formerly Fort Orange) garrison, July 13. 

Gov. Francis Lovelace gives Robert Sanders of Albany letters- 
patent to land (site of Lansingburg, N. Y.) called Tascamca- 
tick, Sept. I. 



1671. 



Heirs of Anneke Jans (Bogardus) under her will made at her home 
(northeast corner of State and James streets), on Jan. 29, 1663. 
convey much of the property left by her, known as the Duke's 
Farm (the site of Trinity Church, New York city) to Lieut.- 
Governor Lovelace, March 9. 

Rev. Jacobus Fabricius, the former Albany pastor, preaches his fare- 
well sermon to the Lutherans at New York city, and Rev. Ber- 
nardus Arensius is installed, Aug. 11. 

Stephanas van Cortlandt and Gertrude Schuyler married in the 
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, Oct. 3. 



1672. 



King Charles H. of England declares war against the Dutch, and 
thus is inaugurated a new disturbance in government at Albany, 

March 17. 

Philip Pietersen Schuyler, commandant of militia of Albany and 
Schenectady, purchases a tract of land north of the Rensse- 




STAATS HOUSE. 
It was built in 1667 at s. e. cor. State and Pearl sts. ; was removed 
in 1887 to erect Albany County Bank. Mayor John Schuyler, Jun., 
lived in it and his son, Gen. Philip Schuyler, born here Nov. 11, 1733- 
So. Pearl st. was widened and half the house cut away. 



Founding. 71 

1672-1673. 



laerswyck Manor from Richard Van Rensselaer, who came to 
America with his brother, Jan Baptist Van Rensselaer, in 165 1, 
on the owner's return to Holland, which family estate is known 
as "The Flatts." June 22. 

Rev. Bernardus Arensius, the Lvitheran minister at New York city, 
is given a permit by Governor Lovelace to spend the winter at 
Albany, as he contemplates erecting an edifice for his religious 
society at the southwest corner of So. Pearl and Howard streets, 

Oct. 18. 



1673. 



Rev. Nicholaus (also spelled Nicolaas) Van Rensselaer, the fourth 
son of the Patroon, (becoming later a prominent figure in an 
historic event at Albany) was educated in Holland as a minister 
of the Dutch religion ; but making a tour of England he con- 
tinued his studies there, and instead of taking a license from 
the church classis in Holland was ordained a deacon, then a 
priest, by Bishop Salisbury of the English Church, and offici- 
ates as chaplain of the Dutch embassy at London. 

New York learns that a Dutch fleet, located at this time in the West 
Indies, contemplates sailing northward, undoubtedly with the 
intent of taking Fort James, New York city, from the English 
control. May. 

Lieutenant Salisbury, commandant of Fort Albany, ordered to report 
with all speed for duty at Fort James, June. 

Governor Lovelace, not fearing any attack and believing reports to 
be greatly exaggerated, departs on a trip to New Haven, allow- 
ing most of the Albany soldiers to go back up the river, and 
leaves Captain Manning in charge of Fort James, July. 

A fleet of 23 Dutch vessels, carrying over 1,500 men, appears at 
Sandy Hook, July 28. 

The Dutch fleet sails into New York Bay, July 29. 

Commodores Cornelis Evertsen and Jacob Binckes, commanders of 
the Dutch fleet, peremptorily demand the surrender of Fort 
James ; but Capt. John Manning cannot bring himself to reply 
affirmatively. Thereupon the Dutch land Capt. Anthony Colve 
with militia, who commence to storm Fort James. At sunset 
the fort surrenders to the Dutch, July 29. 

New York Province becomes once more New Netherland; New 
York city becomes New Orange, and Fort James becomes Fort 
William Hendrick, July 29. 



y2 Founding. 

1673. 

Capt. Anthony Colve is made Governor-General of New Netherland 
by the Dutch commodores, supplanting the British official, 
Governor Francis Lovelace, Aug. 2. 

Lieutenant Salisbury surrenders Fort Albany to the Dutch, Aug. 5. 

• • • 

Millcm0ta^t. 

© u t c b 1R u I e . 
1673. 



Albany having been surrendered by the English becomes Willem- 
stadt under the Dutch rule, Aug. 5. 

Willemstadt (Albany) delegates arrive at New York, their purpose 
being to adjust their local government to the new conditions, 
and they attend a council held by .Dutch Commodores Evertsen 
and Binckes, the main points being that the inhabitants be 
allowed to worship according to their consciences, and the need 
of a thousand florins to use in pacifying the Indians, Sept. i. 

The Dutch council at New Orange (New York city) formally orders 
that the village of Beverswyck or Albany be called Willemstadt, 
and Fort Albany (that had been Fort Orange) to be known as 
Fort Nassau, September. 

Lieut. Andries Draeyer commissioned to have charge of Fort Nassau 
and also be the schout (sherifif) of Willemstadt and Rensse- 
laerswyck, by Governor Colve, Sept. 26. 

Governor Colve appoints David Schuyler, Gerrit van Slechtenhorst, 
Cornelis van Dyck and Pieter Bogardus schepens (magistrates) 
for a term of one year, Oct. 6. 

Governor Colve orders Martin Gerritsen, Pieter Vounen and Hen- 
drick van Nes to be schepens (magistrates) of Rensselaerswyck 
" on the selection of Sr. Jeremias Van Rensselaer." who are not 
to permit any sect save that of the Reformed Protestant Dutch 
Church to hold gatherings in that place, October. 

The Willemstadt court holds its sessions, as ordered by Governor 
Colve, in the building at the northeast corner of Court (Broad- 
way) and Hudson (avenue) streets, November. 

The Lutherans petition Governor Colve that they be allowed to wor- 
ship in Willemstadt, and have their own sexton to bury their 
dead, and they are permitted to do so, provided they do so 
" peaceably and quietly without giving any ofTense to the con- 
gregation of the Reformed Church." 



Founding. 73 

1674. 

1674. 

Willemstadt becomes Albany once more upon the signing of the 
treaty of Westminster, whereby the EngHsh and Dutch cease 
their conflict and stipulate that all the " lands, islands, cities, 
havens, castles and fortresses "' that the Dutch had captured 
from the English should revert to that nation, Feb. 19. 

Sir Edmund Andros is commissioned at Windsor, Eng., the 
Governor of the Province of New York, by James, Duke of 
York and Albany, July i. 

Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer returns to Albany with a letter of 
recommendation from the Duke of York to the newly appointed 
Governor, Edmund Andros, to be placed in charge of a Dutch 
church at New York or Albany, Ji-ily- 

James, Duke of York and Albany, refers a petition from the heirs 
of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer to Governor Andros, in which that 
family requests him to command the new English Governor to 
recognize their claim, — that Albany was erected on their land, 
theirs by virtue of several deeds to them from the Mohawks, 
for land along the west bank of the Hudson River from Cohoes, 
to " Beeren Island," a distance north and south of 24 miles, and 
extending east and west also 24 miles, as added to by subse- 
quent purchases, the locality of Albany being practically in the 
centre of the tract, July 23. 

Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, son of the first Patroon and who had 
charge of the Rensselaerswyck colony since 1658, dies, leaving 
three sons, Johannes (dies unmarried), Kiliaen and Hcndrick, 

Oct. 14. 

Hendrick Van Rensselaer, the youngest of the three children (all 
sons) of Jeremiah, second Patroon (being married to the grand- 
daughter of Anneke Janse and the father of four sons and five 
daughters) inherits the Claverack patent, containing about 
62,000 acres, also 1,500 acres out of the Manor proper, lying 
opposite Albany and he erects there on the Greenbush river 
bank a residence of brick, two stories and an attic, with a num- 
ber of stone loop-holes, to serve as a fortified house against the 
Indians, calling the same The Crailo. 

Governor Andros gives a signed document to Rev. Bernardus Aren- 
sius of the Lutheran Church that allows him to remove his 
household to Albany and conduct services without any annoy- 
ance, Nov. 6. 
• • • 



74 Founding. 

1674-1675. 

JEnglisb TRule. 
1674. 



Governor Colve, who had administered for the Dutch, turns over 
the province to his EngHsh successor, Major Edmund Andros, 
who had been commissioned Governor by James, Duke of York 
and Albany, on July ist, under the treaty agreement of February 
19th, to have the captured lands revert to the English, Nov. 10. 

Governor Andros re-appoints the Willemstadt officers, magistrates, 
clerk, etc., making hardly any change from the Dutch govern- 
ment, Nov. II. 

Robert Livingston (born on Dec. 13, 1654) comes in the fall of 
the year to America from Holland, whither his family had re- 
moved for political reasons. 

Ensign Caesar Knapton is ordered to take Sergeant Thomas Sharpe 
and eighteen men with him to Fort Nassau (formerly Fort 
Orange and then Fort Albany) and formally receive its sur- 
render, November. 



1675. 



Governor Andros forms a Board of Indian Commissioners at Albany. 

Robert Livingston, of Scotch parentage, and who arrived from Hol- 
land in the fall of 1674, buys a lot at the northwest corner of 
Pearl and Yonkers (State) streets (where he resides until mov- 
ing to his manor some forty miles down the river and on the 
east side) and is. commissioned clerk of the Albany court, 

March. 

Following the death of Jeremiah Van Rensselaer (Oct. 14, 1674, 
N. S.). his brother, Nicolaas, arrived and petitioned the 
Governor and Council to be appointed Director of the colony 
in his brother's place; but Jeremiah's widow (daughter of Olof 
Stevense Van Cortlandt) objected. However, it was agreed 
that he might be Director, but she act as treasurer, while her 
brother act as book-keeper, setting aside 300 bushels of wheat, 
one-half to the Director, one-fourth to the widow, one-fourth 
to her brother. 



Founding. 75 

16 75. 

Governor Andros comes to Albany and a new treaty is made with 
the Mohawks, who swear fealty to the Duke of York and 
Albany, August. 

Robert Livingston assumes the duties of secretary of Albany, or 
keeper of records for the commandant of the fort, who governs 
the village (that later becomes Albany the city), Sept. 8. 

Albanians alarmed at the news that the New England Indian tribes 
under their celebrated chief, King Philip, had burned Spring- 
field, Deerfield, Hadley and Northfield, September. 

Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer discovers that the orthodox Dutch 
dominies do not recognize his ordination that took place in 
England, for while in New York and invited to preach in 
Dominie Nieuwenhuysen's (Newenhuysen) church, that person 
absents himself from the service and Rev. Van Rensselaer is 
forbidden by him to baptize, the next day calling on him to 
explain, " I do not consider you to be a lawful minister." 

September. 

Governor Andros and Council hear the case of Dominie Van Rens- 
selaer and Dominie Nieuwenhuysen, and the latter afraid to say 
to the English Governor that ordination by the English form 
was not lawful, first answers evasively by explaining his posi- 
tion by saying that although his opponent might have been or- 
dained by Rt. Rev. Earle, Bishop of Sarum, and have preached 
to a Dutch congregation in England, he had no certificate from 
a Reformed Church classis ; but is graciously and most perti- 
nently given three days in which to bring in an " amended 
answer," and does so, reasoning that any other course might 
cause the revocation of his license to preach, September. 

Because of the terror created at Albany by King Philip's Indian 
raids, Governor Andros sends Capt. Anthony Brockholls and 
some recruits to strengthen the garrison of Fort Albany 
(formerly Fort Orange), October. 

The Council orders that no lead or powder is to be sold to any 
Indians except to the friendly Mohawks and Senecas, October. 

Massachusetts Bay inhabitants hear a malicious rumor and accuse 
Albanians of selling powder to King Philip's Indians, and ar- 
rests are made of suspects for spreading such report, November. 

King Philip, commanding one thousand Indians, reported to be about 
forty miles east of Albany, and the inhabitants greatly alarmed 
because the river being frozen the savages might readily cross 
and attack, ' December. 

Messengers sent afoot to Governor Andros at New York for troops, 

December. 



76 Founding. 

1676. 

1676. 

The river being frozen and impossible for Governor Andros to send 
soldiers to Albany, Captain Brockholls employs Mohawk 
Indians, sending them eastward into Massachusetts to attack 
King Philip with his thousand savages as he proceeds towards 
Albany, January. 

Three hundred Mohawks arrive back at Albany, having attacked 
King Philip's band, numbering over five hundred of the 
bloodiest savages, who had pillaged and burned western Massa- 
chusetts settlements, killing many of his band and bringing a 
number of prisoners to Albany, February. 

Upon the river ice passing out, Governor Andros goes to Albany 
from New York, with soldiers aboard six sloops, February. 

Governor Andros returns to New York, leaving Sergeant Sharpe in 
command at Fort Albany (formerly Fort Orange, on the river 
shore), and the Governor orders a new fort, to be constructed 
at the head of Yonkers (State) street, overlooking the village 
of Albany and serving to protect it from roving tribes coming 
from the westward, each of the four bastions to hold six guns 
(defining the position of it so that standing in the center of 
State street, the northeast bastion was placed on the site of the 
tower of the future St. Peter's Church, at northwest corner of 
State and Lodge streets), the laborers commencing work upon 
the fort at once, March. 

The newly constructed fortification at the head of Yonkers (State) 
street is named Fort Frederick, and Ensign Silvester Salisbury 
placed in command, June. 

Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer preaches in the Dutch Reformed 
Church, and the regular pastor, Dominie Schaets, declares that 
he preached an heretical doctrine, the declarations being of an 
ambiguous nature, Aug. 13. 

Dominie Schaets writes to the above effect to the consistory at New 
York, August. 

Jacob Leisler and Jacob Milburne come to Albany from New York, 
and listen to Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer's preaching at the 
Dutch Church. They interpret his words as of " dubious or 
doubtful doctrine," and on their behest he is ordered to prison, 

September. 

Rev. N. Van Rensselaer is tried at the Albany court before Captain 
Salisbury for heresy, Sept. 28. 



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Founding. "jy 

1676-1678. 



Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer appeals to the Governor and gives 
bond of 1,500 guilders to prosecute appeal. A bond of 5,000 
English pounds is required of Leisler and 1,000 pounds of Mil- 
burne ; the former on failing to furnish bond is ordered under 
arrest, September. 

The Governor takes the court's papers for reconsideration and the 
court having agreed that the two dominies be reconciled and 
forgive one another, the Governor orders a reconciliation be- 
tween the parties in dispute, Jacob Leisler and Jacob Milburne 
to pay all costs of trial as they had given rise to the matter, 

October. 



1677. 



The hostile Indians of New York had terrorized the country even 
so far to the south as Chesapeake Bay and throughout Mary- 
land, finding it quite easy to go by canoes from Oneida to a 
creek emptying into the Susquehanna River, and being expert 
rifle shots their forage was dreaded by the white people. For 
this reason New York undertakes to put a stop to the excur- 
sions, and welcomes Col. Henry Coursey and Philemon Lloyd, 
delegates sent by Lieut. -Gov. Notley of Maryland, to make an 
Indian treaty at Albany. The commission, aided by inter- 
preters, meets with the Indian chiefs in the Court-House, 

Aug. 3. 

The Indians make a compact with the Maryland and Virginia dele- 
gates that the Mohawks, Onondagas, Oneidas, Cayugas and 
Senecas will commit no more depredations in those provinces, 

Aug. 5. 

Governor Andros deposes Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer as a minis- 
ter of the Dutch Reformed faith. 



1678. 



A whipping-post, pillory and stocks erected in the New England 
fashion ; the law of this time commands that burglars be 
branded on the head for the first offence, but put to death for 
a crime committed a third time. 



Founding. 
1678-1680. 



Male inhabitants, between i6 and 60 years, except physicians, minis- 
ters, justices, school-masters and the like, required to enroll in 
the provincial militia. 

The day set apart for celebration of the birthday of King Charles II. 

May 29. 

Governor Andros ordered to issue a patent to Kiliaen Van Rensse- 
laer's heirs, granting- possession of Rensselaerswyck but not of 
Fort Orange (now Fort Albany) or land in the immediate 
vicinity of that fort, and directing tenants of houses to pav the 
Manor yearly two beaverskins for a large house, one skin for a 
house of medium size and half a skin for a small residence, this 
agreement to endure thirty-one years, after which the tenants 
may agree upon terms of rental, June 7. 

Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer, Director of the colony and brother 
of Jeremiah Van Rensselaer (who died Oct. 14, 1674), dies, 
leaving Alida Schuyler his widow, but no children, and the 
widow of his brother, on crutches, too infirm to conduct affairs 
of Rensselaerswyck, November. 

Jeremiah Van Rensselaer's widow notifies her brother, Stephanus 
Van Cortlandt, at New York, of the death of Dominie Nicolaas 
Van Rensselaer, her brother-in-law, who had directed the affairs 
of the colony for her, and urges him to come to Rensselaers- 
wyck to manage the colony ; but he does not accept her offer, 

December. 



1679. 



Jeremiah Van Rensselaer's aged widow, urges his younger brother, 
Richard, to come from Holland and assist her in the manage- 
ment of Rensselaerswyck, January. 



1680. 



The Lutheran society purchases a lot on the west side of South 
Pearl street, between Fludson and Beaver streets (site of the 
City Building) from Capt. Abram Staats, March 28. 

Jasper Dankers and Pieter Sluyter, two Labadist missionaries from 
Friesland, Holland, visit Albany on their travels in America, 
and make notes of what they behold, arriving here by boat this 
day and spending about a fortnight as the guests of various 
citizens, principally of Robert Sanders, April 21. 







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Founding. 79 

1680. 

The missionaries visit Cohoes Falls on horseback, and are objects of 
curiosity, ^P^^^ ^3- 

The Labadist missionaries call at the Van Rensselaer Manor House, 
describing their visit in their diary as follows : " We went to 
call upon a certain Madam Rentselaer, widow of Heer Rentse- 
laer, son of the founder of the colony of Rentselaerswyck, com- 
prising twelve miles square from Fort Orange, that is, twenty- 
four miles square in all. She is in possession of the place, and 
administers it as Patronesse, until one Richard van Rentselaer, 
residing at Amsterdam, shall arrive in this country, whom she 
expected in the summer, when he would assume the manage- 
ment of it himself. This lady was polite, quite well-informed, 
and of good life and disposition. '■= * * The breaking up 
of the ice had once carried away her mansion, and everything 
connected with it. * * * She treated us kindly. =i= * * 
We went to look at several of her mills at work, which she 
had there on an ever-running stream, grist-mills, saw-mills, and 
others. One of the grist-mills can grind 120 schepels of meal in 
twenty-four hours, that is five an hour. Returning to the house, 
we politely took our leave. Her residence is about a quarter of 
an hour from Albany up the river." April 27. 

The missionaries, having listened to the preaching of Dominic 
Schaets in the morning, enjoy a walk to the island south of the 
city, where they view, still in existence at this time, the old 
" Castle " or stone fort built by the French fur-traders in 1540, 
some 70 years ere Henry Hudson sailed up the river of his 
name, making the following record : " In the afternoon, we 
took a walk to an island upon the end of which there is a fort 
built, they say, by the Spaniards. That a fort has been there 
is evident enough from the earth thrown up, but it is not to be 
supposed that the Spaniards came so far inland to build forts, 
when there are no monuments of them to be seen down on the 
seacoasts. where, however, they have been, according to the 
tradition of the Indians. This spot is but a short hour's dis- 
tance below Albany, on the west side of the river." April 28. 
The Labadist missionaries explain the name " Fuyck," as applied 
to Fort Orange, as follows : " Before we quit Albany, we must 
say a word about the place. It was formerly named the Fuyck 
by the Hollanders, who first settled there on account of two 
rows of houses standing there, opposite to each other, which 
being wide enough apart in the beginning, finally ran quite 
together like a fuyck (an expanding net, narrowing at one 
end) and therefore, they gave it this name, which, although 



8o Founding. 

1680-1681. 



the place is built up, it still bears with many, especially the 
Dutch and Indians living about there. It is nearly square, 
anJ lies against a hill, with several good streets, on which 
there may be about eighty or ninety houses. Fort Orange, 
constructed by the Dutch, lies below on the bank of the river, 
and is set off with palisades, filled in with earth on the inside. 
It is now abandoned by the English, who have built a similar 
one back of the town, high up on the declivity of the hill, from 
which it commands the place. From the other side of this 
fort, the inhabitants have brought a spring of water, under 
the fort and under the ground into the town, where they have 
in several places fountains always of clear, fresh, cool water. 
The town is surrounded by palisades, and has several gates 
corresponding to the streets. It has a Dutch Reformed, and 
a Lutheran church." May. 

Robert Livingston granted permission by Governor Andros to pur- 
chase of the Mohegan Indians a tract on Roelof Jansen's kill, 
emptying into the river south of the site of Hudson, N. Y., 
(although he does not complete the purchase for three years) 
contemplating the erection of his own manorial estate, Nov. 12. 

Newton's comet appears as an apparition to superstitious Albanians 
in the southwestern sky, Dec. 9. 

The comet makes its nearest approach to the sun, and. many become 
greatly alarmed at the sight, Dec. 18. 



1681. 



Albanians so horrified by Newton's comet that the magistrates write 
to Capt. Anthony Brockholls, New York, who was acting as 
deputy for Governor Andros while that official is on a trip 
to England, as follows : " Wee doubt not but yow have seen 
ye DreadfuU Comett wh appeared in ye southwest, on ye 9th 
of Decembr Last, about 2 a clock in ye afternoon, fair sunn- 
shyne wether, a little above ye Sonn, wch takes its course more 
Northerly, and was seen the Sunday night after, about Twy- 
Light with a very fyery Tail or Streemer in ye West To ye 
great astoneshment of all Spectators, & is now seen every Night 
•wt Clear wether. Undoubtedly God Threatens us wh Dread - 
full Punishments if wee doe not . Repent. Wee would have 
Caused ye Dominie Proclaim a Day of fasting and humiliation 
to-morrow to be kept on Weddensday ye 12 Jany in ye Town 



Founding. 8i 

1681-1683. 



of Albany & Dependencies — if we thought our Power & author- 
ity did extend so farr, and would have been well Resented by 
Yourself, for all Persons ought to humble Themselves in such 
a Time, and Pray to God to Withdraw his Righteous Juge- 
ments from us, as he did to Nineve. Therefore if you would 
be pleased to grant your approbation wee would willingly cause 
a day of fasting & humiliation to be kept, if it were monthly." 

Jan. I. 

Governor Andros, having left Manhattan for Sandy Point (Hook) 
on the 7th, he sails for a visit to England, Jan. ii. 

Captain Brockholls replies, to the magistrates at Albany, stating his 
suspicions and superstitions : " Wee haue seen the Comett not 
att the time you mention only in the Evening The Streame 
being very large but know not its predicts or Events, and as 
they Certainly threaten God's Vengence and Judgments and 
are prmonitors to us Soe I Doubt not of yor and each of yor 
performance of yr Duty by prayer &c. as becomes good Chris- 
tians Especially at this time." January. 



1682. 



At this time a beaver-skin bears the value of two pieces of eight, of 
40 stivers each, a " piece of eight " being a Spanish dollar or 8 
reals ; thus, a man might make payment in a beaver-skin or 
$1.60 in coin or wampum. According to this, when the in- 
habitants entered their names on the subscription book for the 
annual support of a new pastor of the Dutch Church, Dominie 
Dellius, the richest, headed by Pieter Schuyler, signing for 6 
"pieces of eight," and the poorer for 3, they promise about $10 
and $5 respectively. 

Col. Thomas Dongan (born at Castletown, County Kildare, Ireland, 
in 1634) is commissioned by James, Duke of York and Albany, 
to be Governor of the Province of New York, September. 



1683. 



Robert Livingston marries Alida Schuyler, who in November, 1678, 
was left a widow by the death of Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer. 

Robert Livingston secures deed from the Mohegan Indians to his 
tract of about 2,000 acres of flats and 1,800 acres of woodland 
about Roelof Jansen's kill (site of the city of Hudson and 
Claverack, N. Y.), July 12. 



82 • Founding. 

1683. 

Dominie Gideon Schaets having become aged and unable properly 
to fulfill the duties of his ofifice, the magistrates had requested 
the classis of Amsterdam to send an assistant, and the Rev. 
Godfriedus Dellius arrives to fill the post, promised a salary of 
9CK) guilders, and expected to " edify " the people of Schenec- 
tady once in six weeks, Aug. 2. 

Col. Thomas Dongan arrives at New York to be Governor of the 
Province of New York, Aug. 25. 

Following out the order of Governor Dongan, Albany and Rensse- 
laerswyck elect two delegates of the eighteen representatives 
to attend the first General Assembly of the province the follow- 
ing month at Fort James, Sept. 13. 

William Penn's agents make oiTers to the Indians for lands in New 
York bordering the headwaters of the Susquehanna River, 
which Governor Dongan learns about while at Albany and does 
not favor, September. 

The Albany magistrates write to Governor Dongan that an in- 
terpreter named Arnout Cornelissen Viele arrived from the 
Indians of the central part of the province, called the Western 
Indians, the night before, bearing the information which is 
narrated in the letter, as follows : " Ye four nations vizt 
Cajouges, Onondages, Oneydes & Maquase are upon there way 
hither and may be expected here to-morrow. Wee are credibly 
Inform'd of there willingness to dispose of ye Susquehanna 
River, being verry glad to hear off Christians intending to come 
and live there, it being much nearer them then this place and 
much easier to get thither with there bever. The River being 
navigable wt Canoes till hard by there Castles, soe yt if Wm 
Penn buys said River, it will tend to ye utter Ruine off ye Bevr 
trade, as ye Indians themselfs doe acknowledge and Conse- 
quently to ye great Prejudice off his Royall highnesse Revenues 
and his whole Territoryes in general, all which we doe humbly 
offer to your hours serious Considracon. Wee presume that 
there hath not any thing Ever been mooved or agitated from 
ye first settleing of these Parts, more Prejudiciall to his Royal 
highnesse Interest, and ye Inhabitants of this his governt then 
this businesse of ye Susquehanna River. The french its true 
have endevoured to take away our trade by Peace mealls but 
this will cutt it all off at once. The day after your hour de- 
parted, wee sent a draught of ye River and how near there 
Castles lie to it, drawne by our Scert [Robert Livingston] as 
near as ye Indians could deskribe." Sept. 24. 



Founding. 
1683-1684. 



A conference is held in the Court-House between the magistrates 
and Onondaga and Cayuga sachems, one of the chiefs saying: 
" I have slept but little through the night though I constantly 
tried, and think that the land cannot be sold without Corker's 
order [referring to the Governor] for we transferred it to this 
government four years ago. Therefore we shall do nothing in 
the sale without Corlaer or his order or those who represent 
him. That land belongs to us Cayugas and Onondagas alone ; 
the other three nations namely, the Sinnekes, Oneydes, and 
Maquaas have nothing to do with it. * * '■'' We now convey 
and transport it again and give it to the governor-general or 
those who now represent him," Sept. 26. 

The Albany magistrates are delighted with the successful issue of 
the conference, finding it impossible to secure the ratification 
of the agreement whereby New York Province secures hun- 
dreds of square miles of territory in the central and southern 
part of the Province by giving the Indians two blankets, four 
coats, two guns, three kettles, 50 pounds of lead, 25 pounds of 
powder and some duffel-cloth, Sept. 26. 

First General Assembly of New York, allowing the freeholders of 
the Province a voice in the conduct of affairs, composed of 18 
delegates, convenes in Fort James at New York city, Oct. 17. 

The General Assembly passes the " Charter of Libertys and Privi- 
leges," and decides to hold sessions at least once in three 
years, the delegates to be elected by freemen and the majority 
to be decisive, Oct. 30. 

The General Assembly passes a law to divide the Province into the 
regular English shires or counties, and twelve are formed, 
viz. : Albany, Cornwall, Duchess's, Duke's, King's, New York, 
Orange, Queen's, Richmond, Suffolk, Westchester, Ulster, 

Nov. I. 



1684. 



King Charles II. of England dies, and by James, Duke of York 
and Albany, succeeding to the English throne as King James 
11., the Province of New York becomes property of the English 
realm, Feb. 6. 

Death of Philip Pietersen Schuyler, who came to this country in 
1650 and married that year Margritta Van Slechtenhorst, buy- 
ing the Flatts at Watervliet for his own family estate, 

March 9. 



84 Founding. 

1684-1686. 



Burial of Ph. P. Schuyler in a vault of the Dutch Reformed Church 
at the foot of Yonkers (State) street, March 11. 

Governor Dongan grants a patent for the 2,000 acres of land beside 
Roelof Jansen's kill that had been secured to Robert Livingston 
by deed of July 12, 1683, from the Mohegan Indians, Nov. 4. 

Pieter Schuyler appointed lieutenant of a troop of horse, and Jan 
Jansen Bleecker and Johannes Wendell commissioned infantry 
captains, Dec. 15. 



1685. 



Robert Livingston petitions Governor Dongan for license to buy 
from the Mohegan Indians an additional tract of 300 acres 
along Roelof Jansen's kill, claiming the first tract was not 
satisfactory, this tract, called Tackhanick, behind Potthook 
(Claverack), June 3. 

Mohegan Indians deed 300 acres at Tackhanick (Claverack) to 
Robert Livingston, Aug. 10. 

Albany called the House of Peace by a Mohawk chief addressing 
commissioners from Virginia and sachems of the Powhatan, 
Pamunkey, Matapony and Chickahominy tribes assembled here 
to renew an important treaty with the Mohawks, Senecas, 
Cayugas, Onondagas and Oneidas, August. 



1686. 



Governor Dongan grants a charter to New York, making it a 
city, (which, however, remains in force only until 1730), 

April ■I'j. 

Governor Dongan comes to Albau}^ and is requested by the most 
prominent men to issue a Charter by which the village may 
have larger boundaries and change from a village to a city, 
which form of government would allow a higher guarantee 
of property titles than that of magistrates. May. 

Governor Dongan considers issuance of a Charter to Albany and 
what its provisions shall be. especially as to the boundaries. He 
is also obliged to obtain relinquishment of the Van Rensselaer 
claims to that land that the people would include within the 
bounds, and his decision (as reported Feb. 22, 1687, to the 



Founding. 85 

1686. 

privy coucil of King James) is as follows: "The Town of 
Albany lyes within the Ranslaers Colony. And to say the 
truth the Ranslaers had the right to it, for it was they settled 
the place, and upon a petition of one of them to our present 
King (James II.) about Albany the Petitioner was referred to 
his Matys Council at Law, who upon perusal of the Ranslaers 
Papers, made their return that it was their opinion that it did 
belong to them. Upon which there was an order sent over to 
Sir Edmund x^ndros that the Ranslaers should be put in pos- 
session of Albany, & that every house should pay some two 
Beavers, some more, some less, according to their dimensions, 
Pr annum, for thirty years & afterwards the Ranslaers to put 
what rent upon them they could agree for. What reason Sir 
Edmund Andros has given for not putting these orders into 
execution I know not. The Ranslaers came & brought mee 
the same orders which I thought not convenient to execute, 
judgeing it not for his Matys Interest that the second Town of 
the Government & which brings his Maty soe great a Revenue, 
should bee in the hands of any particular men. The town of 
itself is upon a barren sandy spot of Land, & the Inhabitants 
live wholly upon Trade with the Indians. By the means of Mr. 
James Graham, Judge [John] Palmer & Mr [Stephanus van] 
Cortlandt that have great influence on that people, I got the 
Ranslaers to release their pretence to the Town and sixteen 
miles into the Country for Commons to the King, with liberty 
to cut firewood within the Colony for one & twenty years. 
After I had obtained this release of the Ranslaers I passed 
the Patent for Albany, wherein was included the aforemen- 
tioned Pasture, to which the People apprehended they had so 
good a right that they expressed themselves discontented at 
my reserving a small spot of it for a garden for the use of 
the Garrison. That the people of Albany has given mee seven 
hundred pounds is untrue. I am but promised three hundred 
pounds which is not near my Prquisits, viz. ten shillings for 
every house & the like for every hundred acres patented by 
mee." !""«. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler and Robert Livingston, being apprised of the 
Charter beine in readiness, repair to New York to procure it, 

July. 

Albany made a city, Governor Thomas Dongan issuing a Charter 
in the name of King James II. of England, signed by Dongan 

on July 22, 1686. 

• • • 



Cbarter. 



The citizens of Albany commissioned Pieter Schuyler and 
Robert Livingston to go to New York city and receive the Charter, 
from the hands of Gov. Thomas Dongan of the Province of New 
York. He signed this important document on July 22, 1686, and 
thereupon delivered it unto them. The original is on file in the 
City Hall, in the custody of the City Clerk. 



inttgan (ill^artpr. 







5(i..^... 



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(Srantri lluly 22. IHBfi. 
Qlttg of Albang. 5^. f . 



Charter- 



Thomas Dongan, lieutenant and governor of the province of New 
York, and dependencies in America, under his most sacred 
majesty James the Second, by the grace of God, of England, Scot- 
land, France and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, &c.. and 
supreme lord and proprietor of the said province of New York 
and its dependencies, to all persons to whom these presents ^-hall 
or may come, or in any wise concern, sendeth greeting : 

WHEREAS the town of Albany is an ancient town within the 
said province, and the inhabitants of the said town have held, 
used and enjoyed, as well within the same as elsewhere within the said 
province, divers and sundry rights, liberties, privileges, franchises, 
free customs, preeminences, advantages, jurisdictions, emoluments, 
and immunities, as well as by prescription, as by grants, confirmations 
and proclamations, not only by divers governors and commanders-in- 
chief in the said province, under his said majesty, but also of several 
governors, generals and commanders-in-chief of the Nether-Dutch 
Nation, whilst the same was or has been under their powers and 
subjection. And whereas divers lands tenements and heredita- 
ments, jurisdictions, liberties, immunities and privileges have hereto- 
fore been given and granted to the inhabitants of the said town, some- 
times by the name of commissaries of the town of Beverwyck; 
sometimes by the name of .yc/?^/'(7/?(?/? of Williamstadt ; and sometimes 
by the name of justices of the peace for the town of Albany; 
and by divers other names, as by their several grants, writings, 
records and minutes amongst other things may more fully appear. 
And whereas the inhabitants of the said town have erected, built, 
and appropriated at their own proper cost and charges, several 
public buildings, accommodations, and conveniences for the said 
town, as also certain pieces or parcels of ground for the use of the 
same, that is to say, the town-hall, or stadt-house, with the ground 
thereunto belonging; the church or meeting place, with the ground 
about the same ; the burial place, adjoining to the palisades at the 
southeast end of the town ; the watch house and ground thereunto 
belonging; a certain piece or parcel of land, commonly called or 
known by the name of the Pasture, situate, lying and being to the 
southward of the said town, near the place where the old fort stood 
and extending along Hudson river, till it comes over against the 
most northerly point of the island, commonly called Martin Gerit- 



90 CHARTER. 

sen's island, having to the east Hudson's river, to the south the 
manor of Rensselaerwyck, to the v^est the highway leading to the 
town, the Pasture late in the tenure and occupation of Martin 
Gerritsen, and the Pasture late in the tenure and occupation of 
Casper Jacobse, to the north the several pastures late in the tenure 
and occupation of Robert Sanders, Myndert Harmense, and Evert 
Wendel, and the several gardens late in the tenures and occupation 
of Dirk Wessels, Killian Van Rensselaer and Abraham Staats, with 
their and every of their appurtenances; and also have established 
and settled one P>rry from the said town to Greenbush, situate on 
the other side of Hudson's river, for the accommodation and conve- 
niency of passengers, the said citizens and travellers. And whereas 
several the inhabitants of the town, do hold from and under his 
most sacred majesty respectively, as well by several respective 
patents, grants and conveyances, made and granted by the late 
governors and commanders-in-chief of the said province, as other- 
wise, several and respective messuages, lands, tenements, and here- 
ditaments, in the town of Albany aforesaid, and that the said 
inhabitants of the said town of Albany and their heirs and assigns 
respectively, may hold, exercise, and enjoy, not only such and the 
same liberties, privileges, franchises, rights, royalties, free customs, 
jurisdictions and immunities, as they anciently have had, held, used 
and enjoyed, but also such public buildings, accommodations, con- 
veniences, messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in the 
said town of Albany, which as aforesaid, have been by the inhabit- 
ants erected and built, or which have as aforesaid been held, enjoyed, 
granted, and conveyed unto them, or any of them respectively. 

Know ye therefore, that I the said Thomas Dongan, by virtue of 
the commission and authority unto me given, and power in me pre- 
siding, at the humble petition of the justices of the peace of the 
said town of Albany, and for divers other good causes and con- 
siderations me thereunto moving, have given, granted, ratified and 
confirmed, and by these presents, for and on behalf of his most 
sacred majesty aforesaid, his heirs and successors, do give, grant, 
ratify, and confi.rm unto the said inhabitants of the said town, here- 
inafter agreed to be called by the name or names of the Mayor, 
Alderman, and Commonalty of the City of Albany, all and every 
such and the same liberties, privileges, franchises, rights, royalties, 
free customs, jurisdictions, and immunities, which they have 
anciently had, held and enjoyed, provided always, that none of the 
said liberties, privileges, franchises, rights, free customs, juris- 
dictions, or immunities, be inconsistent with, or repugnant to, the 
laws of His Majesty's Kingdom of England, or other the laws of 
the general assembly of this province ; and the aforesaid public 



CHARTER. 91 

buildings, accommodations and conveniences, pieces or parcels of 
ground in the said town, that is to say, the said town hall or stadt 
house, with the ground thereunto belonging; the said church or 
meeting place, with the ground about the same; the said burying 
place, the watch house, and ground thereto belonging; the said 
pasture and the aforementioned ferry, with their and every of their 
rights, members, and appurtenances, together with all the profits, 
benefits and advantages that shall or may accrue or arise at all 
times hereafter, for anchorage or wharfage in the harbor, port or 
wharf of the said city, with all and singular the rents, issues, profits, 
gains and advantages which shall or may arise, grow or accrue by 
the said town-hall or stadt-house, and the ground thereunto be- 
longing ; church or meeting-place, with the ground about the same ; 
burying-place, watch-house, pasture, ferry, and other the above 
mentioned premises, or any of them, and also all and every the 
streets, lanes, highways and alleys, within the said city, for the 
public use and service of the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty 
of the said city, and of the inhabitants of the places adjacent, and 
travellers there; together with full power, licence and authority to 
the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty, and their successors for 
ever, to establish, appoint, order, and direct the establishing, mak- 
ing, laying-out, ordering, amending, and repairing of all streets, 
lanes, alleys, highways and bridges, water courses and ferries in 
and throughout the said city, or leading to the same, necessary, 
needful and convenient for the inhabitants of the said city, and the 
parts adjacent, and for travellers there : Provided always, that the 
said license, so as above granted for the establishing, making, and 
laying out streets, lanes, alleys, highways, ferries and bridges, be 
not extended or construed to extend, to the taking away of any 
person or persons right or property, without his or their consent, or 
by some known law of the said province. And for the consideration 
aforesaid, I do likewise give, grant, ratify, and confirm unto all and 
every the respective inhabitants of the said city of Albany, and 
their several and respective heirs and assigns, all and every the 
several respective messuages, lands, tenements, and hereditaments 
situate, lying and being in the said city, to them severally and 
respectively granted, conveyed, and confirmed by any the late 
governors, lieutenants or commanders in chief of the said province, 
or by the commissaries or justices of the peace, or other magistrates 
of Albany aforesaid, or otherwise howsoever ; to hold to their several 
and respective heirs and assigns forever. 

And I do by these presents, give and grant to the said mayor, 
aldermen, and conunonalty of the said city of Albany, all the waste, 
vacant, unpatented and unappropriated land, lying and being within 



92 CHARTER. 

the said city of Albany, and the precincts and liberties thereof, ex- 
tending- and reaching- to the low water mark, in, by, and through 
all parts of the said city; together with all rivers, rivulets, coves, 
creeks, ponds, water courses, in the said city, not heretofore given 
or granted, by any of the former governors, lieutenants, or com- 
manders-in-chief, under their, or some of their respective hands 
and seals, or the seal of the province, to some respective person or 
persons, late inhabitants of the said city, or of other parts of the 
said province; and also the royalties of fishing, fowling, hunting, 
hawking, mines, minerals, and other royalties and privileges, belong- 
ing or appertaining- to the city of Albany (gold and silver mines 
only excepted.) 

And I do by these presents give, grant, and confirm unto the 
said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany, 
and their successors, forever, full and free licence and liberty of 
fishing in Hudson's river, not only within the limits of the said 
city, but without, even so far northward and southward, as the 
river does extend itself, within the said county of Albany, together 
with free liberty, license, and authority to and for the said mayor, 
aldermen, and commonalty of the city of Albany aforesaid, and their 
successors, at all time and times hereafter, for and during the space 
of one and twenty years, from and after the fourth day of Novem- 
ber last past, to be accomplished and fully to be compleat and ended, 
to cut down and carry away, out of any part of the manor of Rens- 
selaerwyck (provided it be not within any fenced or inclosed land) 
such firewood and timber, for building and fencing, as to them shall 
seem meet and convenient. 

And I do by these presents, grant unto the said mayor, aldermen, 
and commonalty of the city of Albany, and their successors for ever 
hereafter; all such strays as shall be taken within the limits, pre- 
cincts, and bounds of the said city. 

And I do by these presents, give and grant unto the said mayor, 
aldermen and commonalty of the city of Albany, and their suc- 
cessors, full liberty and license at their pleasure, to purchase from 
the Indians, the quantity of five hundred acres of low or meadow 
land, lying at a certain place, called or known by the name of 
Schaahtecogne, which quantity of five hundred acres, shall, and 
may be, in what part of Schaahtecogiie, or the land adjacent, as 
they the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty, of the city of 
Albany, shall think most convenient. 

And I do by these presents, give and grant unto the said mayor, 
aldermen and commonalty, full power and license at their pleasure, 
likewise to purchase from the Indians, the quantity of one thousand 
acres of low or meadow land, lying at a certain place, called or 
known by the name of Tioimondoroge, which quantity of one thou- 



CHARTER. 93 

sand acres of low or meadow land, shall, and may be in what part 
of Tioiiiiondoroge, or the land adjacent on both sides of the river, 
as they the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city 
of Albany, shall think most convenient ; which said several parcels 
of low or meadow land, I do hereby in behalf of his said majesty, 
his heirs and successors give, grant and confirm unto the said 
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Albany aforesaid, 
to be and remain to the use and behoof of them, and their suc- 
cessors forever. To have and to hold, all and singular the premises, 
to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of 
Albany, and their successors forever, rendering and paying therefor 
unto his most sacred majesty, his heirs, successors and assigns, or 
to such ofificer or receiver, as shall be appointed to receive the same, 
yearly, forever hereafter, the annual quit rent or acknowledgement 
of one beaver skin, in Albany, on the five and twentieth day of 
March, yearly forever. 

And moreover, I will, and by these presents for his said majesty, 
his heirs and successors, grant, appoint, and declare, that the said 
city of Albany, and the compass, precincts, and limits thereof, and 
the jurisdiction of the same, shall from henceforth extend and reach 
itself, and shall and may be able to reach forth and extend itself, as 
well in length and in breadth, as in circuit, on the east by Hudson's 
river, so far as low water mark ; to the south, by a line to be drawn 
from the southermost end of the Pasture, at the north end of the 
said island, called Martin Gerritsen's island, running back into the 
woods, sixteen English miles due northwest, to a certain kill or 
creek, called the Sandkill, on the north, to a line to be drawn from 
the post that was set by Governor Stuyvesant, near Hudson's river, 
running likewise northwest, sixteen English miles, and on the west 
by a straight line, to be drawn from the points of the said south and 
north lines; wherefore by these presents, I do firmly enjoin and 
command, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs, and suc- 
cessors that the aforesaid mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the 
city aforesaid, and their successors, shall, and may freely and quietly 
have, hold, use, and enjoy the aforesaid liberties, authorities, juris- 
dictions, franchises, rights, royalties, privileges, advantages, exemp- 
tions, lands, tenements, hereditaments, and premises aforesaid, in 
manner and form aforesaid, according to the tenure and effect of 
the aforesaid grants, patents, customs, and these letters patents of 
grant and confirmation, without the let, hindrance, or impediment, 
of any of his majesty's governors, lieutenants, or other officers what- 
soever; and that the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the 
city aforesaid, and their successors, or any of them, in the free use 
and enjoyment of the premises, or any of them, by the lieutenants or 
governors of his said majesty, his heirs, and successors, or by any 
of them, shall not be hindred, molested, or in any wise disturbed. 



94 CHARTER. 

And also I do for and on behalf of his most sacred, majesty, his 
heirs and successors, ordain and grant to the mayor, aldermen and 
commonalty of the city of Albany, and their successors, by these 
presents, that for the better government of the said city, liberties 
and precincts thereof, there shall be forever hereafter, within the 
said city, a mayor, recorder, town clerk, and six aldermen, and six 
assistants, to be appointed, nominated, elected, chosen and sworn, 
as hereinafter is particularly and respectively mentioned, who shall 
be forever hereafter, called the mayor, aldermen and commonalty 
of the city of Albany, and that there shall be forever, one chamber- 
lain or treasurer, one sheriff, one coroner, one clerk of the market, 
one high constable, three sub-constables, and one marshal or ser- 
geant at mace, to be appointed, chosen, and sworn in manner herein- 
after mentioned. 

And I do. by these presents, for and on the behalf of his most 
sacred majesty, his heirs and successors, ordain, declare, constitute, 
grant and appoint, that the mayor, recorder, aldermen and assist- 
ants of the said city of Albany, for the time being, and their suc- 
cessors, forever hereafter, be, and shall be, by force of these pres- 
ents, one body corporate and politic, in deed, fact, and name, by 
the name of, the mayor, aldermen and commonalty, of the city of 
Albany; and them by the name of, the mayor, aldermen and com- 
monalty of the city of Albany, one body corporate and politic, in 
deed, fact, and name ; and I do really and fully create, ordain, make, 
constitute, and confirm by these presents, and that by the name of, 
the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Albany, they 
may have perpetual succession, and that they, and their successors, 
forever, by the name of, the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of 
the city of Albany, be, and shall be, forever hereafter, persons able, 
and in law capable, to have, get, receive, and possess lands, tene- 
ments, rents, liberties, jurisdictions, franchises, and hereditaments, 
to them and their successors, in fee simple, or for term of life, lives 
or years, or otherwise ; and also goods, chattels, and also other 
things of what nature, quality, or kind soever ; and also to give, 
grant, let, set, and assign the said lands, tenements, hereditaments, 
goods, and chattels, and to do and execute all other things in and 
about the same, by the name aforesaid ; and also, that they be, and 
forever shall be, persons able in law, capable to plead, and be im- 
pleaded, answer, and be answered unto, defend, and be defended, 
in all or any of the courts of his said majesty, and other places 
whatsoever, and before any judges, justices, and other person or 
persons whatsoever, in all and all manner of actions, suits, com- 
plaints, demands, pleas, causes and matters whatsoever, of what 
nature, kind or quality soever, in the same and the like manner and 



CHARTER. 95 

form as other people of this province, being persons able and in 
law capable, may plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered 
unto, defend and be defended, by any lawful ways or means whatso- 
ever ; and that the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the 
said city of Albany, and their successors shall and may forever 
hereafter, have one common seal to serve for the sealing of all and 
singular their affairs and businesses, touching or concerning the 
said corporation. And it shall and may be lawful to and for the 
said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany, 
and their successors, as they shall see cause, to break, change, alter 
and new make their said common seal, and as often as to them 
it shall seem convenient. 

And further know ye, that I have assigned, named, ordained and 
constituted, and by these presents, do assign, name ordain and 
constitute Peter Schuyler, to be the present mayor of the said city 
of Albany, and that the said Peter Schuyler, shall remain and con- 
tinue in the office of mayor there, until another fit person shall be 
appointed and sworn in the said office, as in and by these presents, 
is hereafter mentioned and directed. And I have assigned, named, 
ordained and constituted, and by these presents do assign, name, 
ordain and constitute, Isaac Swinton, to be the present recorder of 
the said city, to do and execute all things, which unto the office of 
recorder of the said city doth, or may any way appertain or belong. 
And I have assigned, named, ordained and constituted, and by these 
presents do ordain, constitute, create and declare, Robert Livingston, 
town clerk of the said city ; to do and execute all things which unto 
the office of town clerk, doth or may belong. And also I have 
named, assigned, constituted and made, and by these presents do 
assign, constitute and make Dirk Wessels, Jan Jans Bleecker, David 
Schuyler, Johannis Wendel, Lavinus Van Schaick, and Adrian 
Garritse, citizens and inhabitants of the said city of Albany, to be 
the present aldermen of said city. And also I have made, assigned, 
named and constituted, and by these presents do make, assign, 
name and constitute Joachim Staats, John Lansing, Isaac Verplank, 
Lawrence Van Ale, Albert Ryckman, and Melgert Winantse, citi- 
zens and inhabitants of the said city, to be the present assistants of 
the said city. Also I have assigned, chosen, named and constituted, 
Jan Bleecker, citizen and inhabitant of the said city, to be the present 
chamberlain or treasurer, of the city aforesaid. And I have as- 
signed, named, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do 
assign, name, constitute and appoint, Richard Pretty, one of the said 
citizens there, to be the present sheriff of the said city. And I have 
assigned, named, constituted and appointed, and by these presents 
do assign, name, constitute and appoint, James Parker, one other of 
the said citizens, to be the present marshal of the said city. 



96 CHARTER. 

And I do, by these presents, grant to the said mayor, aldermen 
and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and their successors, 
that the mayor, recorder, aldermen, and assistants of the said city, 
for the time being, or the mayor and any three or more of the 
aldermen, and any three or more of the assistants, of the said city, 
for the time being, be. and shall be called the common council of 
the said city; and that they, or the greater part of them, shall or 
may have full power and authority, by virtue of these presents, from 
time to time, to call and hold common council, within the common 
council house, or city hall of the said city ; and there, as occasion 
shall be, to make laws, orders, ordinances and constitutions in writ- 
ing; and to add, alter, diminish and reform them, from time to 
time, as to them shall seem necessary and convenient, (not repug- 
nant to the prerogative of the King's majesty, his heirs or suc- 
cessors, or to any the laws of the kingdom of England, or other the 
laws of the general assembly of the province of New York afore- 
said) for the good rule, oversight, correction and government of 
the said city, and liberties of the same, and of all the officers 
thereof, and of the several tradesmen, victuallers, artificers, and of 
all other people and inhabitants of the city, liberties and precincts 
aforesaid, and for the preservation of government, the Indian trade, 
and all other commerce and dealing, and for disposal of all the 
lands, tenements and hereditaments, goods and chattels of the said 
corporation : which said laws, ordinances and constitutions, shall be 
binding to all the inhabitants of the said city, liberties and precincts 
aforesaid ; and which laws, orders, ordinances and constitutions, so 
by them to be made as aforesaid, shall be and remain in force, for 
the space of one year, and no longer, unless they shall be allowed 
and confirmed by the governor and council, for the time being. 

And further, I will and grant to the said common council of the 
said city, for the time being, as often as they make, ordain and 
establish such laws, orders, ordinances, and constitutions aforesaid, 
shall or may make, ordain, limit, provide, set, impose, and tax 
reasonable fines and amerciaments, against and upon all persons 
offending against such laws, orders, ordinances and constitutions 
as aforesaid, or any of them, to be made, ordained and established 
as aforesaid, and the same fines and amerciaments shall and may 
require, demand, levy, take and receive, by warrants, under the 
common seal, to and for the use and behoof of the mayor, aldermen 
and commonalty of the said city, and their successors, either by 
distress and sale of the goods and chattels of the offenders therein, 
if such goods and chattels may be found within the said city, 
liberties and precincts thereof, rendering to such offender and 
offenders the overplus, or by any other lawful ways or means what- 
soever. 



CHARTER. 97 

And 1 do by these presents, for the King's majesty, his heirs and 
successors, approve and ordain the assigning, naming and appoint- 
ment of the mayor and sheriff of the said city, that it shall be as 
follows, viz : upon the feast day of St. Michael, the arch angel, 
yearly, the lieutenant governor or commander in chief, for the time 
being, by and with the advice of his council, shall nominate and 
appoint such a person as he shall think fit, to be mayor of the said 
city, for the year next ensuing; and one other person of sufficient 
ability in estate, and capacity in understanding, to be sheriff of the 
said city of Albany, for the year next ensuing ; and that such person 
as shall be assigned, named and appointed mayor, and such person 
as shall be assigned, named and appointed sheriff of the said city 
as aforesaid, shall on the 14th day of October, then next following, 
in the city-hall or stadt-house aforesaid, take the several 
and respective corporal oaths aforesaid before the recorder, 
aldermen and assistants or any three of the aldermen and 
four of the assistants of the said city, for the time being, 
for the due execution of their respective offices as aforesaid; 
and that the said mayor and sheriff, so to be nominated and ap- 
pointed as aforesaid, shall remain and continue in their respective 
offices, until another fit person shall be nominated, appointed and 
sworn in the place of mayor, and one other person shall be nomi- 
nated, appointed and sworn in the place of sheriff of the said city, 
in manner aforesaid : which oaths the said recorder, aldermen and 
assistants, or any three or more of the aldermen, shall and may law- 
fully administer, and have hereby power to administer to the said 
Mayor and the said sheriff, so nominated and appointed, from time 
to time, accordingly. 

And further, that according to usage and custom, the recorder 
and town clerk of the said city, shall be persons of good capacity and 
understanding, such as his most sacred majesty, his heirs and suc- 
cessors, shall in the said respective offices of recorder and town 
clerk respectively appoint and commissionate ; and for defect of such 
appointment, and commissionating, by his most sacred majesty as 
aforesaid, his heirs and successors, to be such persons as the said 
governor, lieutenant or commander in chief of the said province, for 
the time being shall appoint or commissionate ; which persons so 
commissionated to the said office of recorder and office of town clerk 
respectively, shall have, hold and enjoy the said offices respectively, 
according to the tenor and effect of the said respective commissions, 
and not otherwise. 

And further, I will, that the recorder, town clerk, aldermen, assist- 
ants, chamberlain, high constables, petty-constables, and all other 
officers of the said city, before they, or any of them shall be admitted 
to enter upon and execute their respective offices, shall be sworn 



98 CHARTER. 

faithfully to execute the same, before the mayor, or any three or 
more of the aldermen, for the time being. And I do, by these 
presents, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs and suc- 
cessors, grant, and give power and authority to the mayor and re- 
corder of the said city, for the time being to administer the same 
respective oaths to them accordingly. 

And further, I will, and by these presents, do grant for and on 
behalf of his most sacred majesty, his heirs and successors, that the 
mayor, aldermen and recorder of the said city, for the time being, 
shall be justices and keepers of the peace of his said majesty, his 
heirs and successors, and justices to hear and determine matters and 
causes within the said city, liberties and precincts thereof; and that 
they or any three or more of them, shall and may forever hereafter 
have power and authority, by virtue of these presents, to hear and 
determine all and all manner of petty larcenies, riots, routs, oppres- 
sions, extortions, and all other trespasses and offences whatsoever 
within the said city of Albany, and the limits, precincts, and liberties 
thereof, from time to time, arising and happening, and which shall 
arise or happen, and any w^ays belong to the office of justices of the 
peace, and correction and punishment of the offences aforesaid, and 
every of them, according to the laws of England, and the laws of 
the said province; and to do and execute all other things in the 
said city, liberties and precincts aforesaid, so fully and in as ample 
manner as to the commissioners assigned, and to be assigned for the 
keeping of the peace in the said city and county of Albany, doth or 
may belong. 

And moreover, I do, by these presents, for his majesty, his heirs 
and successors, will and appoint that the aldermen and assistants, 
within the said city, be yearly chosen on the feast day of St. Michael 
the arch angel, for ever, viz : Two aldermen and two assistants for 
each respective ward, in such public place in the said respective 
wards, as the aldermen for the time being, for each ward, shall 
direct and appoint, and that by the majority of voices of the in- 
habitants of each ward; and that the chamberlain shall be yearly 
chosen, on the said feast day, in the city hall of the said city, by 
the said mayor, aldermen and assistants of the said city, or by the 
mayor or three or more of the aldermen, and three or more of the 
assistants of the said city, for the time being. And I do, by these 
presents, constitute and appoint Robert Livingston to be the present 
town clerk, clerk of the peace, and clerk of the court of pleas, to be 
holden before the mayor, recorder and aldermen within the said 
city, and the liberties and precincts thereof. 

And further, I do by these presents, for his said majesty, his heirs 
and successors, require and straitly charge and command, that the 
sheriff, town clerk, clerk of the peace, high constable, petty con- 



CHARTER. 99 

Stables, and all other subordinate officers in the said city, for the 
time being, and every of them respectively, jointly and severally, as 
causes shall require, shall attend upon the said mayor, recorder, and 
aldermen of the said city, for the time being, and every or any of 
them, according to the duty of their respective place, in and about 
the executing of such the commands, precepts, warrants and process 
of them, and every of them, as belongeth and appertaineth to be 
done or executed. 

And that the aforesaid mayor, recorder, and aldermen, and every 
of them, as justices of the peace, and for the time being, by their 
or any of their warrants, all and every person or persons, for high 
treason or petty treason, or for suspicion thereof, and for other 
felonies whatsoever, and all malefactors and disturbers of the peace., 
and other offenders for any other misdemeanors, who shall be ap- 
prehended within the said city or liberties thereof, or without the 
same in any part within the said county, shall and may send and 
commit, or cause to be sent and committed to the common gaol of 
the said city, there to remain and be kept in safe custody by the 
keeper of the said gaol, or his deputy for the time being, until such 
offender and offenders shall be lawfully delivered thence. 

And I do, by these presents, for his said majesty, his heirs and 
successors, charge and require the keeper and keepers of the said 
gaol for the time being, and his and their deputy and deputies, to 
receive and take into safe custody, to keep all and singular such 
person and persons so apprehended, or to be apprehended, sent and 
committed unto the said gaol, by warrant of the said justices, or 
any of them as aforesaid, until he or they so sent and committed to 
the said gaol, shall from thence be delivered by due course of law. 
And further, I grant and confirm, for his said majesty, his heirs 
and successors, that the said mayor of the said city for the time 
being, and no other, shall have power and authority to give and 
grant licenses annually, under the public seal of the said city, to all 
tavern keepers, inn keepers, ordinary keepers, victuallers, and all 
public sellers of wine, strong waters, cider, beer, or any sort of 
liquors by retail within the city aforesaid, or the liberties and ])re- 
cincts thereof, or without the same in any part of the said county; 
and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said mayor of the 
said city, for the time being, to ask, demand, and receive for each 
license by him to be given and granted as aforesaid, such sum or 
sums of money, as he and the person to whom such license shall be 
given or granted, shall agree for, not exceeding the sum of thirty 
shillings, current money of this country, for each license ; all which 
money, as by the said mayor, shall be so received, shall be used and 
applied to the public use of the said mayor, aldermen and common- 
alty of the said city of Albany, without any account thereof to be 

'. fur .■'■ 



lOO CHARTER. 

rendered, made or done to his said majesty, his heirs, successors or 
assigns, or any of his heutenants, or governors of the said province, 
for the time being, or any of their deputies. 

And further, I do grant for his said majesty, his heirs and suc- 
cessors, that the said mayor of the said city, for the said city, for 
the time being, and no other, be, and forever shall be clerk of the 
market within the city aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts, 
thereof ; and that he and no other, shall and may forever do, execute 
and perform all and singular acts, deeds and things whatsoever, be- 
longing to the office of clerk of the market within the city aforesaid, 
and the liberties and precincts thereof, to be done, executed, and 
performed. And that the said mayor of the said city for the time 
being, and no other person or persons, shall or may have assize or 
assay of bread, wine, beer and wood, and other things to the office 
of clerk of the market belonging or concerning, as well in the pres- 
ence as in the absence of his said majesty, his heirs, and successors, 
or his or their lieutenants or governors here. Also, I will and grant 
for his said majesty, his heirs and successors, unto the mayor, alder- 
men and commonalty of the said city for the time being, and their 
successors forever, that the mayor of the city aforesaid, for the time 
being, during the time that he shall remain in the said office of 
mayor, and no other, be, or shall be coroner of his said majesty, his 
heirs and successors, as well within the city aforesaid, and the liber- 
ties and precincts thereof, as without the same, within the limits or 
bounds of the said county : and that he, and no other, shall do or 
cause to be done and executed, within the said city, limits and pre- 
cincts thereof, or without the same, within the limits and bounds of 
the county, all and singular matters and things to the said office of 
coroner belonging, there to be done. And that the said mayor of 
the said city for the time being, shall take his corporal oath before 
the recorder, or any three or more of the aldermen of the said city, 
well and duly to execute the said office of clerk of the market and 
coroner of the said city and county, before he take upon him the 
execution of either of the said offices. 

And also, I do by these presents, grant unto the mayor, aldermen 
and commonalty of the said city of Albany, that if any of the citi- 
zens of the said city, or inhabitants within the liberties and pre- 
cincts thereof, that shall after be elected, nominated and chosen to 
the office of mayor, aldermen, assistants, sheriff or chamberlain of 
the said city as aforesaid, and have notice of his or their election, 
shall refuse to deny to take upon him or them to execute that office, 
to which they shall be so chosen or nominated ; that then, and so 
often it shall and may be lawful for the mayor, recorder, aldermen 
and assistants of the said city, for the time being, or the mayor, or 




GOVERNOR THOMAS DONGAN. 

Col Thomas Dongan, born at Castletown, Ire., 1634, became Go-c'^^'of 

.He So^nce o. New Yor. ^-^:^-^-::^-;^:^^ 
Edmund Andros on Aug. n, 1688. He grantea me ^ 
22, 1686. Died at London, Dec. 14, 17^5- 



CHARTER. 



lOI 



any three of the aldermen, and three or more of the assistants of the 
said city for the time being, to tax, assess, and impose upon such 
person or persons so refusing or denying, such reasonable or moder-. 
ate fines and sum of money as to their discretion shall be thought 
most fit so as the said fine, penalty, or sum, for refusing or denying 
to hold and execute the office of mayor of the said city, do not ex- 
ceed the sum of twenty pounds, current money of this country ; and 
the fine for refusing or denying to hold and execute the place of an 
alderman do not exceed the sum of ten pounds, like current money ; 
and the fine for denying or refusing to hold and execute the place 
of chamberlain, assistant or sheriff, the sum of five pounds, like cur- 
rent money. 

And I do, by these presents, for his said majesty, his heirs and 
successors, authorize the mayor, recorder, aldermen and assistants 
of the said city for the time being, and the mayor, and three or 
more of the aldermen, and three or more of the assistants there for 
the time being, to frustrate and make void the election of such per- 
son or persons so refusing or denying as aforesaid ; and then, and 
in such cases, any other fit and able person and persons, citizen and 
citizens, of the said city, or inhabiting within the liberties and pre- 
cincts thereof, in convenient times, to elect anew in manner afore- 
said, directed and prescribed to execute such office and offices so 
denied or refused to be executed as aforesaid; and that if it shall 
happen that such person or persons so to be elected anew, shall 
refuse or deny to take upon him or them any of the said office or 
offices unto which he or they shall be chosen and elected as afore- 
said ; then and in such case, the mayor, recorder, aldermen and assist- 
ants of the said city for the time being, or the said mayor, or three 
or more of the said aldermen, and three or more of the assistants of 
the said city for the time being, shall or may set, and impose upon 
them so denying or refusing, such and the like moderate fines as is 
before set down in the like cases to the respective offices, with such 
limitations as aforesaid; and also in such and the like manner as 
aforesaid, to continue and make void such election and elections, and 
make new elections as often as need shall be and require ; all which 
said fines so set and imposed, I do, by these presents, for and on 
behalf of his said majesty, his heirs, successor and assigns, grant to 
be, and shall be and remain, and belong unto, and shall be put into 
the possession and seizen of the mayor, aldermen and commonalty for 
the time being, and their successors, to be levied and taken by war- 
rant under the common seal, and by distress and sale of the goods 
and chattels of the several persons so refusing or denying as afore- 
said, if such goods and chattels may be found within the said city, 
liberties and precincts thereof, rendering to the parties the overplus, 



I02 CHARTER. 

or by any other ways or lawful means whatsoever, to the only use 
of the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of 
Albany, and their successors, without any account to be rendered, 
made or done to the said king's majesty, his heirs successors, or 
assigns for the same. 

And know ye, that for the better government of the said city, and 
for the welfare of the citizens, tradesmen and inhabitants thereof, I 
do by these presents, for his said majesty his heirs and successors, 
give and grant to the said ma3^or, aldermen and commonalty of the 
said city, and their successors, that the mayor, recorder and alder- 
men, or the mayor or any three or more of the aldermen, for the 
time being, shall, from time to time and all times hereafter, have full 
power and authority, under the common seal, to make free citizens 
of the said city and liberties thereof; and no person or persons 
whatsoever, other than such free citizens, shall hereafter use any 
art, trade, mystery or manual occupation within the said city, 
liberties, and precincts thereof, saving in the times of 
fairs there to be kept, and during the continuance of such fairs 
only. And in case any person or persons whatsoever, not being 
free citizens, shall hereafter use or exercise any part, trade, mystery 
or manual occupation or shall by himself, themselves or others, sell 
or expose to sale any manner of merchandize or wares whatsoever 
by retail, in any house, shop or place, or standing within the said 
cit)'-, or the liberties or precincts thereof, no fair being then kept 
in the said city, and shall persist therein, after warning to him or 
them given or left, by the appointment of the mayor of the said 
city, for the time being, at the place or places where such person or 
persons shall so use and exercise any art, trade, mystery or manual 
occupation, or shall sell or expose to sale any wares or merchandizes 
as aforesaid, by retail ; then it shall be lawful for the mayor of the 
said city, for the time being, to cause such shop windows to be shut, 
and also to impose such reasonable fine for such offence, not exceed- 
ing twenty shillings, for every respective offence ; and the same fines 
so imposed, to levy and take, by warrant under the common seal of 
the said city, for the time being, by distress and sale of the goods 
and chattels, of the person or persons so offending in the premises, 
found within the liberties and precincts of the said city, rendering 
to the parties the overplus, or by any other lawful ways or means 
whatsoever, to the only use of the said mayor, aldermen and com- 
monalty of the said city of Albany, and their successors, without any 
account to be rendered, made or done to his majesty, his heirs and 
successors or to his or their lieutenants^ governors, or commanders 
in chief for the same. Provided always, that no person or persons, 
shall be made free as aforesaid, but such as are his majesty's natural 



CHARTER. 103 

born subjects, or such as shall be first naturalized by act of general 
assembly, or have obtamed letters of denization, under the hand of 
the lieutenant, or governor, or commander-in-chief for the tune 
being, and the seal of said province ; and that all persons to be made 
free^'as aforesaid, shall and do pay for the public use of the said 
mayor, aldermen and commonaUy of the said city, such sums of 
money', as such person or persons, so to be made free, shall re- 
spectively agree for, not exceeding the sum of three pounds twelve 
shillings, for the admission of each merchant or trader ; and the sum 
of six and thirty shillings, for the admission of each handicraft or 

tradesmen. 

And whereas, amongst other the rights, privileges, prehemmences 
and advantages, which the citizens and freemen of the said city of 
Albany, and their predecessors, have for many years last past held, 
used and enjoved, the privileges, preheminences, and advantages of 
having within their own wall, the sole management of the trade 
with all the Indians living within and to the eastward, northward 
and westward of the said county of Albany, within the compass of 
his said majesty's dominion here, which hath been from time to tune, 
confirmed to them, and their said predecessors, as well by prescrip- 
tion, as by divers and sundry grants, orders, confirmations and 
proclamations, granted, ordered, confirmed, and issued forth, not 
only by and from divers governors, and commanders in chief m the 
said province, since the same hath been under his said majesty s 
dominion, but also of several governors, generals, and commanders 
in chief of the Nether-Dutch nation, whilst the same was, or has 
been under their power and subjection, which has always been found 
by experience, to be of great advantage, not only to the said city in 
particular, but to the whole province in general; and that by the 
care, caution and inspection of the magistrates, of the said city, to 
the well and orderly management and keeping the trade with the 
Indians within their walls, it hath returned vastly to the advance- 
ment of trade and the increase of his majesty's revenue, and been 
the sole means, not only of preserving this province in peace and 
quiet, whilst the neighboring colonies were imbrued in blood and 
war ; but also of putting an end to the miseries those colonies labored 
under from the insulting cruelty of the Northern Indians. Whereas 
on the other hand, it has been no less evident, that whenever there 
has been any slackness or remissness in the regulation and keeping 
the Indian trade within the walls of the said city, occasioned by the 
incroachment of some persons trading with the Indians, m places 
remote, some clandestinely, others upon pretence of hunting passes, 
and the like, the trade not only of the said city, but of the whole 
province has apparently decreased, the king's revenue has been much 
impaired, and not only so, but this government has lost much of the 



I04 CHARTER. 

reputation and management amongst the Indians, which it other- 
wise had and enjoyed; wherefore, for and on behalf of his said 
majesty, his heirs and successors, I have given, granted, ratified and 
confirmed, and by these presents, do give, grant, ratify and confirm 
unto the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of 
Albany, and their successors forever, the right, privilege, prehemi- 
nence and advantage of the sole and only management of the trade 
with the Indians, as well within this whole county, as without the 
same, to the eastward, northward and westward thereof, so far as 
his majesty's dominion here does or may extend, to be managed and 
transacted only by the freemen, being actual inhabitants within the 
said city and within the now walls or stockadoes thereof, and not 
elsewhere. And I do hereby, for his said majesty, his heirs and 
successors, absolutely forbid and prohibit all and every the inhabit- 
ants of the said province of New York, (the inhabitants of the said 
city of Albany, only excepted) to trade or traffic with any of the 
five nations of Indians, called the Senekas, Cayonges, Onnondages, 
Oneydes, and Maqueas, who live to the westward, or with any other 
Indian or Indians whatsoever, within the county of Albany, or to 
the eastward, northward or westward thereof, so far as his said 
majesty's dominions here, do or may extend, or to have or keep in 
their houses or elsewhere, any Indian goods or merchandize, upon 
the pain and penalty of the forfeiture and confiscation of such Indian 
commodities, whether the same be beavers, peltry or other Indian 
commodities, whatsoever, except Indian corn, venison, and dressed 
deer skins, to trade for, and upon pain and penalty of the forfeiture 
and confiscation of all such Indian goods and merchandizes, as guns, 
powder, lead, dufifels, rum and all other Indian goods and merchan- 
dize, which shall at any time hereafter be found, concealed, or kept 
in any house or place without the walls of the said city, and within 
the said county of Albany, and the other limits and boundaries 
herein before set forth and prescribed ; and in case any person or 
persons whatsoever shall at any time hereafter, out of the walls of 
the said city, and within the said county, or the other limits and 
boundaries herein before set forth and prescribed, trade or traffic 
with any Indian or Indians, for any beavers, peltry, or other Indian 
commodities, (except before excepted) or there shall conceal and 
keep any Indian goods, wares or merchandizes in any house or place 
as aforesaid ; then it shall and may be lawful for the mayor, recorder, 
or any of the aldermen for the time being, by warrant under their 
or any of their hands, to cause such Indian commodities, so traded 
for, and such goods or merchandizes so kept and concealed without 
the walls of the said city, wheresoever they shall be found within 
the said city or county, or without the same, within the limits and 
boundaries before expressed, to be seized, and the same to be con- 



CHARTER. 105 

demned and confiscate, in the court of pleas, or common pleas in 
the said city, or any other court of record within the said city or 
province, one third part to the mayor of the said city for the time 
being, one third part to such person or persons as shall inform or 
sue for the same, and the other third part to the use of the mayor, 
aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and their suc- 
cessors forever. And also, that it shall and may be lawful to and 
for the mayor, recorder and aldermen of the said city for the time 
being, by a warrant under their or any of their hands and seals, 
to cause such person or persons, as shall presume to trade or traffic 
with the Indians contrary to the form and effect of these presents, 
to be apprehended wherever they shall be found, within the limits 
and boundaries herein before prescribed, to answer the same at the 
court of pleas and common pleas in the said city, or any other court 
of record within the said city or province, where being legally con- 
victed thereof, such person or persons, over and besides the for- 
feiture and confiscation of such goods, merchandizes and commodi- 
ties as aforesaid, shall be fineable, and fined in such sum or sums of 
money, (not exceeding twenty pounds, current money of this 
country) as at the discretion of such court, before whom he or they 
shall be prosecuted, shall be thought reasonable and convenient ; 
which said fines shall be one-third part to the person who shall 
inform and prosecute for the same, and the other two-thirds to the 
use of the mayor, aldermen and commonalty, and their successors 
forever. 

And further, I do by these presents, for and on behalf of his said 
majesty, his heirs and successors, grant and declare to the said 
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of Albany, and their successors, 
that his majesty, his heirs and successors, nor any of his or their 
governors, lieutenants, commanders in chief, or other officers, shall 
not, or will not, from henceforth forever, hereafter, grant unto any 
person or persons whatsoever, any license or licenses, to hunt within 
the said county of Albany, or to the eastward, northward or west- 
ward, so far as his said majesty's dominions here, doth, or may ex- 
tend, without the consent and approbation of the mayor, aldermen 
and commonalty of the said city of Albany, for the time being, by 
the said person or persons first to be had and obtained. 

And further, I do, by these presents, for his said majesty, and his 
successors, grant to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of 
the said city, that they and their successors be forever, persons able 
and capable, and shall have power to purchase, have, take and pos- 
sess in fee simple, lands, tenements, rents, and other possessions, 
within or without the same city, to them and their successors forever, 
so as the same exceed not the yearly value of one thousand pounds 
per annum, the statute of mortmain, or any other law to the con- 



I06 CHARTER. 

trary notwithstanding; and tlie same lands, tenements, heredita 
ments and premises, or any part thereof to demise, grant, lease, sei 
over, assign and dispose at their own will and pleasure, and to make, 
seal, and accomplish any deed or deeds, lease or leases, evidences or 
writings for or concerning the same or any part thereof, which shall 
happen to be made and granted by the said mayor, aldermen and 
commonalty of the said city for the time being. 

And further, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs and 
successors, I do, by these presents, grant to the said mayor, aldermen 
and commonalty, that they and their successors shall and may for- 
ever hereafter, hold and keep within the said city, in every week in 
the year, two market days, the one upon Wednesday, and the other 
upon Saturday, weekly forever. 

And also, I do by these presents, for and on behalf of his said 
majesty, his heirs and successors, grant to the said mayor, aldermen 
and commonalty of the said city, that they and their successors and 
assigns shall and may at any time or times hereafter, build a public 
weigh-house in such part of the said city, as to them shall seem con- 
venient ; and that they the said mayor, aldermen, and commonalty 
shall and may receive, perceive, and take to their own proper use 
and behoof all and singular the issues and profits therefrom or 
thereby arising or accruing ; as also, that they the said mayor, alder- 
men and commonalty of the said city of Albany, their heirs and suc- 
cessors, shall and may at any time or times hereafter, when it to 
them shall seem fit and convenient, to take in, fill and make up, and 
lay out all and singular the ground and lands within the limits and 
precinct of the said city, and the same to build upon and make use 
of in other manner or way as to them shall seem fit, as far into the 
river that passeth by the same as low water mark aforesaid. 

And further, and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs and suc- 
cessors, I do, by these presents, give and grant unto the aforesaid 
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and 
their successors, that they and their successors, shall and may have, 
hold and keep within the said city, liberties and precincts thereof, 
once every fortnight in every year forever, upon Tuesday, one court 
of common pleas for all actions of debt, trespass upon the case, 
detinue, ejectment, and other personal actions, and the same to be 
held, before the mayor, recorder and aldermen, or any three of them, 
(whereof the mayor or recorder to be one,) who shall have power to 
hear and determine the same pleas and actions, accordingly to the 
rules of common law, acts of the general assembly of the said 
province, and the course of other corporations in the like nature. 

And further, for and on the behalf of his said majesty, his heirs 
and successors, I do, by these presents, give and grant to the said 
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and 



CHARTER. 107 

their successors forever, that the mayor of the said city for the time 
being, shall and may determine all and all manner of actions, or 
causes whatsoever, to be had, moved or depending between party 
and party, so always as the same exceed not the value of forty 
shillings, current money of this province. 

And further, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs and 
successors, I do grant to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty 
of the said' city, and their successors forever, that the mayor, recorder 
and aldermen of the said city shall always be, so long as they shall 
continue in their said respective offices justices of the peace for the 
said county, and as such shall and may sit in the courts of sessions, 
or county courts, and courts of oyer and terminer, that shall from 
time to time be held and kept within the said county ; and that the 
mayor, recorder, or some one of the aldermen of the said city for 
the time being, shall and may always preside in or be president of 
such county courts, or courts of sessions, to be held within the said 
county, as aforesaid, and that the sheriff of the said city for the 
time being, shall always be sheriff of the said county ; also that the 
town clerk of the said city for the time being, shall always be the 
clerk of the peace, and clerk of the court of sessions, or county 
courts for the said county. 

And further, I do, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs 
and successors, by these presents grant to the said mayor, aldermen 
and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and their successors, 
that the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city, and 
their successors, shall have and enjoy all the privileges, franchises, 
and powers that they have and use, or that any of their predecessors, 
at any time within the space of twenty years last past, had, took, or 
enjoyed, or ought to have had, by reason, or under pretence of any 
further charter, grant, prescription, or any other right, custom 
or usage, although the same have been forfeit or lost,^ or hath been 
ill used, or not used, or abused, or discontinued, albeit they be not 
particularly mentioned herein; and no officer shall disturb them 
therein, under any pretence whatsoever, not only for their future, 
but their present enjoyment thereof, provided always, that the said 
privileges, franchises and powers be not inconsistent with, or re- 
pugnant to the laws of his majesty's kingdom of England, or other 
the laws of the General Assembly as aforesaid, and saving to 
his majesty, his heirs, successors and assigns, and his commanders 
in chief, lieutenants, governors and other officers under him or theirj 
in his Fort Albany, in or by the city of Albany, and in all the 
liberties, boundaries, extents and privileges thereof, for the mani- 
tenance of the said fort and garrison there, all the right, use, title 
and authority, which his said majesty, or any of his said command- 
ers-in-chief, lieutenants, and other officers have had, used or exer- 



I08 , CHARTER. 

cised there, (excepting the said pasture herein before granted, or 
mentioned to be granted, to the said mayor, aldermen and common- 
alty of the city of Albany, aforesaid,) and saving to all other 
persons, bodies politic and corporate, their heirs successors and 
assigns, all such right, title and claim, possessions, rents, services, 
commons, emoluments and interest, of in and to any thing that is 
theirs, save only the franchises aforesaid, in as ample manner as 
if this charter had not been made. 

And further, I do appoint and declare, that the incorporation 
to be founded by this charter shall not at any time hereafter do or 
suffer to be done, anything by which the lands, tenements or 
hereditaments, stock, goods, or chattels thereof, or in the hands, 
custody or possession of any of the citizens of the said city, such as 
have been set, let, given, granted, or collected, to and for pious and 
charitable uses, shall be wasted or misemployed, contrary to the 
trust or intent of the founder or giver thereof. And that such, and 
no other constructions shall be made hereof, than that which may 
tend most to advance religion, justice and the public good, and to 
suppress all acts and contrivances to be invented or put in use con- 
trary thereunto. In witness whereof, I have to these presents set my 
hand, and thereto have affixed the seal of the said province, and 
caused the same to be enrolled in the secretary's office of the said 
province this two and twentieth day of July, in the second year of his 
said majesty's reign, and in the year of our Lord, one thousand six 
hundred and eighty and six. 

THOMAS DONGAN. 



No. 1. 



Jvjily 22, 1686 — Oct. 13. 1694 



No. I. 
PIETER SCHUYLER. 

Date of office: July 22, 1686-October 13, 1694. 

Appointed by: Governor Thomas Dongan. 

Date of birth: September 17, 1657. 

Place of birth: Rensselaerswyck. 

Parents: Philip Pieterse (S.) and Margaret Van Slechtenhorst. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: (a) Engeltie Van Schaick (d. 1689). 
(b) Maria Van Rensselaer. 

Date: (a) Rensselaerswyck, 1681. 

(b) Rensselaerswyck, September 14, 1691. 

Children: (8-4 s. 4 d.) Margarita (b. 1682, m. Robert Livingston, 
Jun., i2th Mayor), Philip (1684, d. y.), Anna (1686. d. aet. 
12 years), Gertruj (1689, d. y.). (b) Gertruj (b. 1694, m. 
Johannes Lansing), Philip (b. 1696, m. Margarita Schuyler), 
Pieter (b. 1698, m. Catherine Groesbeck), Jeremiah (b. 1698, 
twin, m. Susanna ). 

Residence: East side Market street (Broadway) south of Yonkers 
street (State) to river; also "The Flatts." 

Occupation: Political offices and militia. Merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: February 19, 1724. 

Place of death: The Flatts (West Troy— Water vliet). 

Place of burial: Li Dutch Church, on February 22d. 

Title: Colonel. 

Remarks: Courageous and good organizer. Major and Colonel of 
militia in King William's war. Member of the Provincial 
Assembly. Indian Commissioner. Ex-officio Vice-Governor. 
Appointed Lieutenant of cavalry by Governor Dongan, March, 
1685. Appointed Judge, Court of Oyer and Terminer, by 
Dongan, April, 1685. Justice of the Peace, October, 1685. 
He was the " Ouidor " of the Indians, much trusted by them, 
and, accompanied by Col. Nicholson, escorted five Mohawk 
sachems to the court of Queen Anne, sailing December, 1709, 
returning May 8, 1710. 




I. PIETER SCHUYLER. 

I 686- I 694. 

From a photograph made by Col. Augustus Pruyn of Albany, from the oil 

painting owned in 1886 by John C. Schuyler of Watervliet and in 1904 owned by 

his children at The Flatts. Painted at London, 1710, by order of Queen Anne. 



No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. HI 



1686. 



1686. 



Albany becomes a city, being granted a charter by Colonel Thomas 
Dongan, Governor-General of the Province of New York under 
authority of King James II., of England, July 22. 

" Pieter Schuyler, gent, and Robt. Livingston, gent., who were com- 
missionated by ye towne of Albanie to goe to New Yorke and 
procure ye Charter for this citty wh was agreed upon between 
ye magistrates and ye right honl Col. Tho. Dongan, Gov. 
Genii.," having brought the same along with them, it is " pub- 
lished' with alfye joy and acclamation imaginable; and ye said 
two gent'm received'ye thanks of ye magistrates and burgesses 
for their diligence and care in obtaining ye same," July 22. 
Pieter Schuyler is " appointed and commissionated to be Mayor and 
Clerk of ye market and Coroner of ye citty of Albany as also 
Coroner for ye sd county," and takes the oath of office of 
Mayor as administered by one of the justices of the peace for 
the county of Albany, the ordained aldermen also being sworn 
in, as were Robert Livingston as town-clerk and Richard 
Pretty as sheriff and James Parker as marshal, July 22. 

Municipal officers enumerated by the charter include: Mayor, re- 
corder, chamberlain or treasurer, six aldermen, six assistant 
aldermen, town-clerk, sherifif, coroner, clerk of market, high 
constable, three sub-constables and a marshal or sergeant- 
at-mace, J^^^ ^^■ 

Charter, Common Council: Dirck Wesselse (tenBroeck), Johannis 
Wendell, I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Levinus van Schaick, 11. 
David Schuyler, Adrian Gerritse, III. July 22. 

Governor Dongan names the first civic officers: Mayor, Pieter 
Schuyler; Recorder, Isaac Swinton ; Town-clerk, Robert Liv- 
ingston; Chamberlain, Jan Becker; Sheriff, Richard Pretty; 
Marshal, James Parker; Aldermen. Dirck Wesselse (Ten 
Broeck) , Jan lansen Bleecker, David Schuyler. Johannes Wen- 
dell, Adrian Geritse, Levinus Van Schaick; Assistant Alder- 
men, Joachim Staats, John Lansingh, Isaac Verplanck. Law- 
rence van Ale, Albert Rvckman, Melgert Wynantse, July 22. 
Boundaries of the City of Albany as set forth in the Dongan 
Charter : " On the east by Hudson's River, so f arr as low water 
mark; * * * the south, by a line * * * drawne from the 
southermost end of the Pasture at the north end of * * * 



112 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I. 

1686. 

Martin Garetson's Island, runneing' back into the woods sixteen 
English miles due Northwest to a certain kill or creek called the 
Sand-kill ; on the North * * * by a line * * * drawne from 
the post that was sett by Governor Stuyvesant near Hudsons 
river, runneing likewise Northwest sixteen English miles ; and 
on the west by a straight line * * * drawne from the points 
of the said South and North lines," July 22. 

Court of Common Pleas established in Albany county by Charter, 

July 22. 

Water furnished the city through long logs bored with a two-inch 
hole, from a pond created at the head of Yonkers (State) street 
by a dam, and called the " Fountain," whence it is distributed 
to a city well in each of the three wards, August. 

Island south of the city boundary known as Martin Gerritsen's 
Island at this time ; but later becomes Van Rensselaer Island, 

August. 

Mayor Pieter Schuyler and Common Council hold first session, 
among the minutes recorded appearing the following trans- 
action : "The court of (the) mayor and aldermen having 
considered ye case of ye negroe of Myndert Frederikse called 
Hercules, who hath stole a chest of wampum belonging to ye 
poor of ye Lutheran parich out of ye house of his master, 
where he went in at night throw ye window, all which he con- 
fesseth. and considering how evil consequence it is and how 
bad example it is for ye negers, the court have ordered ye sd 
neger Hercules to be whipt throw ye towne att ye cart tale 
by ye hands of ye hangman forthwith, for an example to oyrs. 
and his master to pay ye costs," 

Common Council, looking to a quoruni and prompt attendance, 
orders that any member that shall " be absent at ye second ring- 
ing of ye bell, being in town, at any common council day," 
should forfeit six shillings (toties quoties), Sept. 11. 

Common Council orders High Constable Isaac Verplanck to replace 
the " rotted spouts " that convey water from " ye fountain 
from ye hill into ye city," * * * " in ye space of a fortnight " 
or forfeit 40 shillings, Sept. 14. 

To defray expense of securing the Dongan charter, the Common 
Council orders sale of " some lotts of grounds upon ye Plain 
lying on ye south side of ye citty for gardens, as also ye 
land lying on both sides of Ruttenkill for two pastures," Oct. 26. 

Common Council appoints Dirck Wesselse and Robert Livingston 
to go " with two other fitt persons " to inspect the "tract of 
land above Schinnechtady. upon ye Maquaas river " for purpose 
of purchase from the Mohawk Indians, Oct. 26. 




ALBANY'S FIRST SEAL. 

This is the design of the first seal that 
was officially employed by the mayor when 
authorizing important documents. In 1752 
it was superseded by one showing a beaver 
and date. 



No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. II3 

1686-1687. 

Ordinance prohibiting people from watering- horses from the pail 
hanging at any city well or fountain, November. 

Ordinance prohibiting cartmen to " fetch or digg any sand on ye 
north side of ye Schennechtady path," because so much had 
already been removed at the old burying-ground as to expose 
coffins to view, November. 

Law to compel strangers to add their names to the mayor's list 
within 40 days, or the constable to be fined 20 shillings, 

November. 

All tavern-keepers required to give constable knowledge of name 
of any guest who shall lodge therein two days, and explain the 
business of such person in the city, November. 

Carmen to " repair the breaches in the streets and highways " 
gratis, and no negro or slave to " drive any carte within this 
citty under the penaltye of Twenty shillings to be paid by the 
owner," November. 

Van Rensselaer family releases all title to vacant lands within cor- 
porate limits of new city as fixed by charter, portions of which 
land are sold " att a publike vendu or outcry in ye Citty Hall," 

Dec. I. 

Seal of the city in use (as found two hundred years later on docu- 
ments) and affixed to deeds, December. 



1687. 



John Caspers commits the first murder in the city of Albany, killing 
a negro girl. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, son of the second Patroon, Johannes Van 
Rensselaer (who never came to America) having settled at 
Albany and married his cousin, Anna (daughter of Jeremiah 
Van Rensselaer) dies, without children, Feb. 22. 

Governor Dongan seeks to prevent the French-Canadian priests 
from drawing the Indians away from Albany to Canada, 
whither seven hundred had been led from Albany, to the pre- 
judice of the government, by procuring " a peace of Land 
called Sarachtague lying upon Hudsons river about forty 
miles above Albany," February. 

Ordered by the Common Council " that there be a pounde made 
upon ye plain for ye use of this citty * ''^ * to put all horses, 
cattle, hoggs and sheep therein," April 11. 



114 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I. 

1687-1688. 

Common Council orders " yt ye sergeants of ye respective com- 
panies goe about to raise a half years sellary for ye ratel 
watch," June 14. 

On information that the French make preparations to exterminate 
the Five Nations, the governor orders the mayor to bring the 
wives, old men and children of the Mohawks down into Albany 
for the winter, September. 

Gov. Dongan helps defense of Albany by ordering " Every tenth 
man of all ye Militia troupes & Companys within the Province 
Except those who were out ye last yeare a whaling be Drawn 
out to go up thither," September. 

Gov. Dongan arrives at Albany to take charge of troops, October. 

Charter election, Common Council : Hendrick Cuyler, Johannis 
Wendell. I. Levinus van Schaick, Jan Jansen Bleecker, II. 
David Schuyler, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in^ Oct. 14. 

First deed of land, executed to Godfriedus Dellius, Nov. i. 

Beaver-skins annually exported reduced in number from 40,000 
to 9,000. 



1688. 



Birth, in Ireland, of Cadwallader Golden, celebrated as physician, 
botanist, astronomer, historian, and who becomes later on the 
Governor of New York province, Feb. 17. 

Gov. Dongan writes to Earl of Sutherland from Albany, he being 
president of his majesty's privy council. " I have been here all 
this winter with four hundred foote and fifty horse and Eight 
Hundred Indians;" speaks of heavy expense, and fears " when 
I come to N. Yorke to impose another Tax upon ye people " 
they will depart for other plantations, Feb. 19. 

Governor Dongan returns from Albany to New York, March. 

Governor Dongan recalled by King James II., April 22. 

The expenses of troops, care of some French prisoners and gifts 
to the Indiana as paid by Robert Livingston, amount to about 
$10,335, of which Albany is assessed for $1,200, from Aug. 
II, 1687, to June I. 

Catalyn Trico (born in Paris in 1605) testifies to having been in 
Albany in 1623 and the first white woman there. 

Sir Edmond Andros, sent by King James II., to be Governor of the 
Province of New York, arrives at New York city, and begins 
at once his administration as successor of Governor Dongan, 

Aug. II. 



^O- I- PIETER SCHUYLER. 



115 



1688. 



Ex-Governor Thomas Dongan refuses the offer of King James to 
make him a major-general, and he retires to his country-seat 
on Long Island, August. 

Gov. Andros proceeds to Albany that he may hold a conference 
with the Indians in order to draw them into closer relationship 
with England and alienate them from the French, and the 
sachems of the Five Nations hasten also to Albany to bid Gov. 
Andros welcome, whereupon at their council he is addressed 
by the Mohawk chief, Sindachsegie, saying: " We resolved not 
to come slowly ; but to run with all speed to see and bid you 
welcome," Sept. 18. 

Gov. Andros writes to Denonville that he must release the English 
and Indian prisoners taken in the 1687 expedition against the 
Senecas, and placing Capt. Jervis Baxter in command of Fort 
Albany, returns towards the end of the month to New York, 

September. 

Francis Nicholson begins his administration of the Province of New 
York, in the absence of Gov. Andros, under the title of lieuten- 
ant-governor, Oct Q 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Wendell, Levinus van 
Schaick, II. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, II. Albert 
Ryckman, David Schuyler, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 

On news of William, Prince of Orange, son-in-law of James II., 
accepting invitation of the English people to come there to take 
possession of the throne and his arrival in accordance in Eng- 
land with an army of 15,000 men, (King James II. fleeing to 
France for protection) Gov. Andros of the Province of New 
York happen'^ to be in Maine, and on his return to Boston he is 
arrested, later to be sent to England, November. 

Inhabitants complaining that bakers sell bread at " dear rates," it 
is ordered that they " take no more than one penny, half penny 
or five stuyvers zewant for a loaf of fine white bread," 

December. 

Law passed fining anyone who shall cut down any part of the 
stockade ten shillings, December. 

On complaint that people use the town ladders, so that few are 
found in time of fire, " ye fyremasters " are required to see 
" yt in some convenient place of each ward," there be " at 
least 2 good ladders of 25 foot, and 2 of 15 foot with iron 
hooks fast to ye ladders and 2 fyrehooks," making 12 ladders 
and 6 hooks in each of the three wards, December. 



Il6 PIETER SCHUVLER. No. I. 

1689. 



1689. 



Population of Albany county 2,016; consisting of 662 men, 340 
women, 1,014 children, January. 

Chevalier Hector cle Callieres Bonnevue, the Governor of Mon- 
treal, planning for the French occupation of the Province of 
New York, writes to Marquis de Seignelay : " The plan is to go 
directly to Orange (Albany), the most advanced town of New 
. York, one hundred leagues from Montreal (230 miles) which 
I would undertake to get possession of and to proceed thence 
to seize Manathe (New York city) the capital of that colony 
situated on the seacoast ; on condition of being furnished with 
supplies necessary for the success of the expedition. * * * j 
hope to seize in passing some English villages and settlements 
where I shall find provisions and the conveniences for attacking 
the town of Orange. This town is about as large as Montreal, 
surrounded by pickets, at one end of which is a fort of earth de- 
fended by palisades, and has four bastians. There is a garrison 
of one hundred and fifty men of three companies in the fort 
and some pieces of cannon. The town of Orange may contain 
about one hundred and fifty houses and three hundred inhab- 
itants capable of bearing arms, the majority of whom are Dutch, 
besides a number of French refugees and some English people," 

January. 

Anthony Lespinard appointed by the Mayor viewer of corn, Jan. 15. 

Mayor Pieter Schuyler writes to Lieut. -Gov. Nicholson that the 
Indians are very jealous and suspicious of the news and pro- 
ceedings, and there would be grave cause of mischief if these 
suspicions were not relieved ; to which the latter replies that the 
report of serious trouble over the crown and religious matters 
in England was utterly false, and he should assure them of the 
friendship of the English by presenting each Nation with a 
barrel of powder The people of Albany, in ignorance of the 
fomenting revolution in England and the purpose of the French 
king, feel great uneasiness. January. 

Gov. Nicholson instructed by the Crown to employ at Albany only 
British-educated school-teachers, Jan. 31. 

Hendrick Van Rensselaer, who built Fort Crailo (supposedly about 
1642) at Greenbush, marries Catrina Van Brugh, the grand- 
daughter of Anneke Jans, owner of the Trinity Church property 
in New Amsterdam (New York city), March 8. 



No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. II7 

1689. 

News of the French declaring war against England causes Lieut. - 
Gov. Nicholson to guard Fort James at New York with militia 
under Col. Nicholas Bayard, April 27. 

Instructions sent to the officials of Albany " recommending them 
to keep the people in peace," and the militia " well exercised 
and equipped," April 30. 

Capt. Jonathan Bull of Connecticut arrives at Albany to make a 
league witii the Five Nations, and Mayor Pieter Schuyler ex- 
presses belief that if the citizens heard the news of the day 
(regarding the proposed attack by the French from the north 
and the trouble between France and England), " it wolde make 
them run all madd," May 18. 

Leader of the Maquaas Indians renews peace covenant, saying to 
Captain Bull : " Breatheren, we are now com as our grand- 
fathers used to doe, to renew our unity & friendship and 
couenant made between us & you. We desier yt this house 
being the couenant & proposition house (the City Hall), may 
be kept clean, yt is, yt we may keep a clean, single, not a 
double heart. We do renue the former couenant or chain 
yt has been made betw een us & you, yt is to say. New England, 
Vergenia, Mereland, & all these parts of America, yt it may be 
kept bright on eauery side, yt it may not rust nor be for- 
got," May 24. 

The citizen-soldiery working on the fort, having awaited official 
notice of a change in the home government, sent word to Lieut. - 
Gov. Nicholson by letter despatched by messenger, that they 
intend to hold the " fort for the Power that now governeth 
in England," and refusing to obey the Council or the colonel of 
the regiment, demand the keys of the fort and Nicholson has 
not the courage to refuse. May 31. 

On Jacob Leisler's turn to watch at the fort with his company, 
(Fort James, New York city), he enters with 49 men and 
resolves to hold it until joined by all the militia, and at once 
the five captains and about 400 soldiers place themselves under 
his command, June 2. 

Jacob Leisler, a captain of militia of the Province of New York, 
issues a proclamation that he has assumed control of the ad- 
ministration in the province, taking advantage of the uncertainty 
as to the ultimate result of who shall be the English sovereign, 
and states that he will preserve the Protestant religion, holding 
the position until the arrival of a governor appointed by Wil- 
liam, Prince of Orange, Jtuie 3. 



Il8 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I. 

1689. 



Citizens choose a committee of safety who commission Jacob Leisler 
" Captain of the Fort," at New Amsterdam, and prepare an 
address to the king pledging loyalty, June. 

News of the accession of Prince William and Princess Mary to 
England's throne, brought by riders from Fort James (at New 
York) occasions great and manifested joy in Albany, as de- 
scribed in records of the time, as follows : " The Proclamation 
for Proclaiming there Majs King William and Queen Mary 
King and Queen of England, France, and Ireland &c., being 
brought hither from N. Yorke Imediately upon ye Receit 
thereof ye Mayr & Recorder caused ye Court of Aldermen and 
Common Council to assemble who attended accordingly and 
having considered of ye greatest Solemnity yt could be used 
in so short a Time, appointed ye Citizens to be in arms about 
2 o'clock which having done they went in ordr from ye City 
Hall up to there Majts Fort where there Majts were proclaimed 
in solemn manner in English and Dutch, ye gunns fyreing from 
ye fort & volley of small arms, ye People with Loude acclama- 
tions crying God Save King Wm. & Queen Mary, afterwards 
they marched doune to ye City hall where there Majts were 
again Proclaimed, ye night Concluding wth ye Ringing of ye 
Bell, Bonefyres, fyreworks, and all oyr Demonstrations of 
joy, ^ July I. 

Louis XIV., of France, instructs Louis de Buade, Comte de Fron- 
tenac, to proceed to Canada and to carry out the plans of 
Chevalier de Callieres regarding descent on Albany from 
Montreal, June 7. 

Inhabitants of Albany unwilling to acknowledge Jacob Leisler's 
assumption of government of Province of New York, the mun- 
icipal officers, justices of peace and military officers assemble in 
convention and resolve : " All public affairs for the preservation 
of their majesties' interests " should be managed by the mayor, 
aldermen, justices and other commissioners of city and county 
until the orders of King William and Queen Mary are re- 
ceived, Aug. I. 

Because of fear of a French invasion, proclamation is issued that 
no person able to bear arms (except masters of vessels) be 
allowed to go away without a written permit from a justice of 
peace, August. 

At convention in City Hall it is resolved that Captain Leisler at 
New York be requested to send speedily one hundred men and 
munitions to protect Albany, Sept. 4. 

Messenger returns from Capt. Leisler and reports to convention 
that he disclaims any civil power and had sent a letter to 



No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. 119 



1689. 



Captains Johannes Wendell and Jan Jansen Bleecker, informing 
them that he had sent four small guns and two hundred pounds 
of powder, and he wished Albany to send two persons to 
represent the city in government, Sept. 7. 

Charter election Common Council : Johannis Wendell, Levinus van 
Schaick, I. Claes Ripse van Dam, Jan Jansen Bleecker, II. 
David Schuyler, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. 29; 

Oct i^ 
sworn m, ^ '•■ '+' 

Lieut. Sharpe and soldiers in the fort take oath of allegiance to Kmg 
William and Queen IMary, Oct. 19. 

Inhabitants of Albany learning that Capt. Jacob Leisler had been 
declared commander-in-chief of the Province of New York 
by his followers and that he was sending a company to possess 
the fort at Albany, thereupon reassemble in convention, and 
resolve to keep command of the fort for their majesties, Wil- 
liam and Mary, Oct. 26. 
The messenger sent to New Amsterdam (New York city) to learn 
what is to be done regarding the control of the government of 
the province, returns and reports that Capt. Leisler demands 
the surrender of the city of Albany's Charter to him, October. 
Alderman Van Schaick having been in New York describes what 
he saw and learned there, that Jacob Leisler had asserted him- 
self commander-in-chief, of the Province of New York and 
had control of that city as a start and desired to gain the same 
unconditional control of Albany, whereupon the bell m the 
cupola of the City Hall, at the northeast corner of So. Market 
street (Broadwav) and Hudson avenue, is rung and imme- 
diatelv an assembly is held there by the city fathers, the con- 
vention determining that Mayor Pieter Schuyler be placed in 
command of the fort, with Lieut. Sharpe as his subordinate 
officer, whereupon the members of the Council wait upon the 
Mayor and escort him to the fort, which is delivered to 
1 . -^ Nov. 8. 
him, TVT-1U 
Three sloops reach Albany, bearing troops under Jacob Milborne, 
and immediately Captains Wendell and Bleecker, Johannes 
Cuyler and Reynier Barents go aboard to learn the object of 
his visit. Jacob Milborne asks : " Is the fort open to receive me 
and my men?" The reply is, " No. the Mayor is in command 
and win hold it." He is disappointed by the resistance and be- 
ing invited to the City Hall to call upon the convention, he 
accepts the offer and inflames the people by a long discourse, 
stating that those things done under the unlawful King James 
II (such as the charter) are void, and that the people should 
choose new civil and military officers. To this Dirck Wesselse 



I20 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. 1. 

1689. 

Ten Broeck replies that the inhabitants will do nothing differ- 
ent until hearing from their majesties, and that Milborne had 
no power to order a change of affairs at Albany, Nov. 9. 

Milborne marches his soldiers into the city from Martin Gerritsen's 
island, where they had bivouacked, Nov. 13. 

Milborne marches his men from Martin Gerritsen's island to posi- 
tion before the fort at the head of the hill and demands that the 
gate be opened, to which Mayor Pieter Schuyler replies that he 
keeps the fort for William and Mary, and therefore commands 
him to depart with his seditious company. Milborne secures 
one foot within the portal but is mightily thrust back, and the 
gate closed. Thereupon he withdraws a space that his men may 
with safety load. On his second approach a protest is read 
from the bastian. A band of Mohawk Indians encamped a 
short distance to the north (site of Academy park) fearing 
danger is intended to their friends, declare intention to fire 
upon Alilborne's army unless he departs. Pieter Schuyler at 
once sends Rev. Dr. Dellius to pacify them, but is told that if 
Milborne does not leave the place and intends to pitch battle 
with the Albanians, the Mohawks will do their best to annihilate 
them. When Milborne hears this he marches his men to the 
three sloops, leaving a company under command of Joachim 
Staats, a brother of Dr. Samuel Staats, a Leisler sympathiser, 
and sets sail for New York, Nov. 15. 

Captain Bull arrives with his company of 87 men from Connecticut, 
is rousingly received, and camps in the city, Nov. 25. 

Lieut. Talmadge takes 24 of Capt. Bull's 87 Connecticut men to 
reinforce the garrison at Schenectady, against attack by 
French, Nov. 29. 

Jacob Leisler, having possession of the fort at Manhattan, writes 
to the Council at Albany saying (feignedly) that he had re- 
ceived orders from " King William for taking care of the 
Government," and by that authority he commissions Capt. 
Joachim Staats to take over into his charge and possession 
Fort Orange, and " doe hereby Order that free Elections be 
forthwith made for a Mayor and Aldermen whom I have 
Signified to Capt. Staats," Dec. 28. 

Report made pursuant to order of Gov. Fletcher, shows in Albany 
county 662 men, 340 women, 1,014 children, total 2,016, 

Dec. 31. 

Indians in Albany county at this time, previous to the conflict, 
number 270 Mohawks, 180 Oneidas, 500 Onondagas, 300 Cay- 
ugas, 1,300 Senecas, 250 River Indians, total 2,800, Dec. 31. 






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Nt). 1. PIETER SCHUYLER. 121 

1690. 



1690. 



Captain Wendell presents Leisler's letter of Dec. 28th to the 
Council, and that body issues a ringing protest for trying to 
disturb the community, resolving not to allow Joachim Staats to 
possess the fort, and making much ridicule of the odd order of 
Leisler to hold a " free election, "~yet voting by the inhabitants 
for men "named by Leisler," Jan. 11. 

The French reach the trail leading to Corlaer (Schenectady) under 
Sieur Le Moyne de Sainte Helene and Lieut. Daillebout de 
Mantet, and decide to attack that place first, rather than Al- 
bany, with about 100 men and as many Indians. At 11 o'clock, 
it being decided because of the severity of the winter night to 
wait no longer, detachments approach the various city gates, 
which through laxity were found unprotected. The village was 
stockadoed with pine logs ten feet high, with gates at the north 
and south ends of Church street. It is stated that there were 
within the wall about eighty houses shielding nearly four 
hundred souls. A stockade fort at the north end of Church 
street, where it meets Front street, held a garrison detachment 
of 24 men of Capt. Jonathan Bull's Connecticut company, under 
Lieut. Talmadge, sufficient to make repulse. The signal of 
attack was given Indian fashion, when detachments were at 
each gate, and the torch was applied, everyone being killed by 
the sword as in midnight fear they rushed from their abodes. 
Only two houses were standing at the end of two hours, — that 
of Sander Glen, across the Mohawk, because of previous kind- 
ness shown to the French, and of the widow Bratt, whither 
the wounded M. de Montigny was carried. Pieter Schuyler 
(in his letter of the 15th, to Gov. Bradstreet of Massachusetts) 
states : " The whole village was instantly in a Blaze. Women 
with child (were) riped open, and their Infants cast into the 
Flames, or dashed against Posts of the Doors. Sixty Persons 
perished in the Massacre, and twenty-seven were carried into 
Captivity. The rest fled naked towards Albany thro' a deep 
Snow which fell that very Night in a terrible Storm; and 
twenty-five of these Fugitives lost their Limbs in the Flight, 
thro' the Severity of the Frost." It is said the invaders lost 
but one F"renchman and one Indian during the massacre, but 
twenty-one were lost on the road, Feb. 8. 



122 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I. 



1690. 



French depart from Schenectady at 1 1 o'clock on Sunday, taking 30 
prisoners, fifty good horses being seized to convey the pkmder ; 
but of these only sixteen were to reach Montreal, the others 
being required for food on return march, Feb. 9. 

Simon Schermerhorn, wounded and blood-besmeared, arrives in the 
early morn at Albany on his panting steed, and announces the 
massacre ; following him at intervals, other fugitives arrive 
from the vicinity of Schenectady and give the alarm that Albany 
is to be burned as was Schenectady, with the consequence that 
mstead of despatching all the militia at command to help the 
Mohawk valley inhabitants or to pursue the French, they feel 
impelled to make a defence at home, and messengers are sent 
on horse with all speed to Kinderhook, Claverack and King- 
ston to procure assistance, Feb. 9. 

Capt. Bull takes a detail of soldiers from Albany companies to Cor- 
lear ( Schenectady) and inters the bloody, blackened and frozen 
bodies, at the same time, by orders received, invites the Mo- 
hawks to build castles of defence at that place and on the island 
(Van Rensselaer) for the further protection of Albany, Feb. 9. 

Convention commissions Robert Livingston and Capt. Geret Teunise 
to go to Massachusetts and Connecticut to treat with their 
governors regarding necessity of joining forces to invade 
Canada, March 2. 

Jacob Leisler commissions Johannes de Bruyn, Johannes Prevoost 
and Jacob Milborne to go to Albany with 160 soldiers to possess 
Fort Orange and control King William's government, March 4. 

Leisler's claim to administer the government of the province recog- 
nized by the cTty and Pieter Schuyler allowed to retain office 
of mayor ; but Johannes Cuyler is appointed town-clerk instead 
of Robert Livingston. April. 

Leisler at council of war in New York, favors expedition against 
Canada, May i. 

Board of Indian Commissioners constituted. 

Four persons escaping, who had been taken prisoners at Schenectady, 
arrive at Albany and relate terrible experiences on their jour- 
ney back with the French to Canada, they subsisting on dead 
horses, eating mosses and bark of trees, June 9. 

The famous "Ballad" of the burning of Schenectady (twenty 
graphic stanzas) composed by Walter W^ilie of Albany, June 12. 

Leisler appoints his friend MilLorne the commander-in-chief of the 
expedition to be raised by the several provinces to invade Can- 
ada ; but the New Fnglanders of importance decry the appoint- 
ment for so important a post of one they say is only a trades- 



No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. I23 

1690-1691. 

man of little intelligence, and the government of Connecticut 
recommends Maj-Gen. Fitz John Winthrop, to which Leisler 
finally agrees, June. 

Gen. Winthrop arrives at Albany with his Connecticut troops, 
commissioned to lead the American forces against the French 
in Canada, and camps at the Schuyler Flatts, Watervliet, north 
of city, July 21, 

Gen. Winthrop, disgusted with the small quantity of men for his 
expedition, finding that the colonies had not sent half of the 
promised allotments. New York sending only 150 of the 400 
men promised by Leisler, July 25. 

Maj.-Gen. Winthrop departs for Wood Creek, at the southern end 
of Lake Champlain, August. 

Gen. Winthrop joins Col. Pieter Schuyler and his army at the 
" Great Carrying Place " ( Fort Edwarcf) whom he finds busily 
engaged in making bark canoes for the expedition through the 
two lakes ; but much discouraged by reason of lack of proper 
transportation for so many, they hold a council at which it is 
determined to return to Albany, first commissioning Johannes 
Schuyler (the youngest brother of the Mayor) a captain, who 
proceeds to accept what militia will volunteer to join his inva- 
sion from among the Dutch and Lidians, and in the end makes a 
campaign that is successful in some measure, August. 

Gen. Winthrop, being destitute of provisions for his army, proceeds 
to return to Albany, the base of supplies, and encamps with 
those who accompanied him at Greenbush, opposite Albany, 

Aug. 21. 

Leisler, in exasperation, hastens to Albany and imprisons Winthrop 
along with his officers ; but because of tumult thereat releases 
them, September. 

Leisler appoints Joachim Staats, Johannes W^endell, Jan Jansen 
Bleecker, Pieter Schuyler and Ryer Jacobse Schermerhorn to 
control city and county government. Oct. 10. 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Becker, Evert Bancker, 
L Jan Jansen Bleecker, Claes Ripse van Dam, IL Gerrit 
Ryerse, Eghbert Teunise, IIL Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1691. 



Colonel Henry Sloughter arrives at New York from England, and 
at once assumes the administration of the Province of New 
York, March 19. 



124 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I. 

1691. 

Gov. Slong'hter imprisons Jacob Leisler, and ends the revolt, 

March 20. 

Four more of those made captive at .Schenectady massacre brought 
back by a party of Christians and Maquaas, March. 

Dirck VVesselse Ten Broeck and Levinus van Schaick from Albany, 
and Kiliaen Van Rensselaer from Rensselaerswyck, represent 
Albany in the assembly convened in New York city, Apr. 9. 

Assembly at New York directs tTiat a court of sessions be held in 
the City Hall at Albany on first Tuesdays in June, October and 
February for the " increase of virtue and discouraging of evil- 
doers," under one judge and three justices, for the space of two 
days, April. 

Major Pieter Schuyler marches northward from Albany, headed for 
Montreal, with soldiers and Indians, June 21. 

Gov. Sloughter visits Albany, June 27. 

Gov. Sloughter writes to governors of neighborly provinces : " I 
need not relate unto you of how great import the preservacon 
of this place (Albany) is, being the only bulwark and safeguard 
of all Their Majesty's plantacons on the main (coast) of Amer- 
ica, and if, for want of strength, the French should assault 
and gain Albany how farr your Government and all the English 
Colonys on both sides of us would be endangered, you can 
easily judge . . . found our Plantacons and Schenectady 
almost ruined. 1 have garrisoned Schenectady and Halfe 
Moon with some of the 100 fusileers raised by our assembly," 

July II. 

Gov. Sloughter dies suddenly at New York city, July 23. 

Maj. Richard Ingoldsby assumes control of affairs of Province of 
New York (with title Commander-in-chief), July 26. 

Maj. Pieter Schuyler attacks French settlement. La Prairie de la 
Madeleine (near Montreal), kills 200, losing only 21 of his 
Albany militia and 22 Mohawks, Aug. i. 

Bill dividing province into 12 shires (counties), and confirmation 
of incorporation of Albany county, Oct. i. 

Charter election, Common Council : Levinus van Schaick, Evert 
Bancker, L Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, IL Gerrit 
Ryerse, Johannis Abeel, IIL Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 

Another of the prisoners captured at Sch-enectady massacre (Feb. 
8, 1690) is brought back by an Oneida Indian, who is 
rewarded with " Duffels and Rom " to the amount of two 
pounds, two shillings, November. 

Courts of Common Picas established in all counties. 



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GOVERNOR SLOUGHTER'S COMMISSION. 

William and Mary of England on Jan. 4, 1689, created Col. Henry Sloughter " Captain- 
General and Governor-in-Chief in and over our Province of New York and the territories 
depending thereon in America." He began administration as fourth English Governor 
March 19, 1691. (N. Y. State Library. 27x31 in.') 



j^Q J PIETER SCHUYLER. ^^^ 



1692-1694. 



1692. 

Col. Benjamm Fletcher arriveTT^. England at New York^city, 

Col. Fletcher begins his achninistration as governor of Province 

RobenSst; who had arrived from Holland in 1674, builds 
hL Manor Hmase beside the Roelof Jansen k.l, near the s.te 



of Hudson. 



French invX feared and houses built °-'^'"'\%P'^''^'^%;''^^; 

ters for Indians, who are rehed upon as a defence September 
SoldLrs detailed at Schenectady, Half Moon and N-ka^'na Jo 

guard the fords in Mohawk nver, T^Z', 

Charfer election, Common Council: Levnn.s van Scha.ck Eve 

Bancker I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansuigh, 11. Johannis 

Abeel, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn^m, ^^^ 



1693. 



Allotment of 560 new palisades at Fort Orange, to be 20 feet long 
and .2 inches at ntaller end. "of good smooth-barked pyne. 
™ of your black-barked pyne," Albanians to draw 200, to 
of Rensselaerswyck ,00. Schenectady 90. ^l'"^"'"°°^J^'J^^^,_ 
kill ,5. Coxsackie 3,S. Claverack 30; the G°v"r'"' '"^t" 
,zing expense of $75- equal to 6 3-7 pen" *"^'^*' S'P"'. 

Charter election, Common Council: Evert Bancker, ?-='" B°Sa 
dus I Ian Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansmgh, II. Johannis 
Ab^el, Albert Ryckman. III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn m.^ 



1694. 



r,.<. of Tohannes Appel, sheriff, vs. David Keteley.t and Daniel 
"^"^rat .t that •■u'on ye Lord's Day ™keing ye Inchans drun 
in so much vt the constable was .n danger of h,s life, by the 
redskins who can,e at him with their tomahawks "P--d^- 

if to split his skull, 



126 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I. 



1694. 



The above case postponed in the Mayor's Court because " the wit- 
nesses are at Green Bush ; but cannot come over, ye yse being 
so rotten, prays that the business may be deferred," March 7. 

Governor Benjamin Fletcher caring to appoint Johannes Abeel 
to be the Mayor of Albany, Pieter Schuyler is notified of the 
new appointment to succeed him, Oct. 6. 



(See No. 2.) 



No. 2. 



JnljanwB Kbnl 



Oct. 14-, 1694- — Oct. 14, 1695. 
I 



* * 



, 1709 . 1710. 



No. 2. 

JOHANNES ABEEL. 

Date of office: (a) October 14, 1694-October 14, 1695. 

(b) 1709-1710. 
Date of appointment: October 6, 1694. 
Appointed by: Governor (Col.) Benjamin Fletcher. 
Date of birth: 1667. 

Parents: Stoffel Janse (A.) and Neeltje Janse Croon. 
Edneation: Common school. 
Married to: Catlyna Schuyler. 
Date: Rensselaerswyck, April 10, 1694. 
Children: (7-2 s. 5 d.) Neeltje (1695), Christoffel (1696), Cata- 

lyna (1698), Neeltje (1701), Jannetje (1703), David (1705), 

Maria Duyckink (i726).i--,^^ 
Occupation: Merchant and traderX -j 
Religion: Dutch Reformed. ) , 

Date of death: January 28, 171 1. 

Place of burial: In " South " Dutch Church cemetery, Beaver st. 
Title: Judge. 
Remarks: Alderman. Justice. Sheriff, Recorder, 1702. 



No. 2. JOHANNES ABEEL. I29 



1694-1695. 



(Continued from No. I.) 
1694. 



Johannes Abeel is sworn as the Alayor of Albany, having been 
commissioned as such on Oct. 6th, by Gov. Benjamin Fletcher, 

Oct. 14. 

Charter election, Common Council : Evert Bancker, Jacob Staats, 
I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, II. Albert Ryckman, 
Gerrit van Ness, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

City porter and Town-crier ordained the proper persons to open 
and close the several city gates through the stockadoes. 

Robert Livingston gives a deed to Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck 
for two parcels of land from his Claverack estate that he had 
bought July 12, 1683, from the Mohegan Indians, one situate 
upon the Hudson river consisting of 600 acres, the other, 
back on Roelof Jansen's kil, of 1,200 acres, for 15 English 
pounds and an annual rental of 10 shillings. There were later 
two theories concerning this transfer, one that Livingston had 
been commissioned to buy the large Claverack tract for Ten 
Broeck, and only after a threat consented to dispose of any 
portion of it and had kept it when the deed had originally been 
made in his name, or else that Ten Broeck was merely paying 
his share in the deal as originally planned between the two weal- 
thy men, Oct. 26. 



1695. 



Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck erects a Manor House for himself at 
Claverack, not far from the site of Hudson, N. Y., near Roelof 
Jansen's kil on land bought from Robert Livingston, January. 

Robert Livingston, on a trip to London to secure from the Crown 
payments due him for sustaining the troops and as secretary, 
meets Captain William Kidd, and they enter into a project 
to capture pirates of the high seas, the English government 
acquiescing to his skilfully conceived plan that those making 
the capture of a pirate ship may become possessed of its cargo. 



130 JOHANNES ABEEL. No. 2. 

1695-1709. 

" Whereas complaints are made yt ye streets of Albany are found 
so unfitt yt it is most unable for any person to use them," it 
is ordered that eight feet of ground be paved before each lot, 
" and it is also ordered yt Claes Ripse van Dam and J. Gowyt 
they shall be overseers yt ye sd streets may be orderly laid " 
before June, March 12. 

Mayor's Court — Proclamation : Being thought very requisite by 
the Recorder and Aldermen for ye repairing of ye citty of Al- 
bany ; every particular person that hath not sett there propor- 
tion of stockadoes belonging to ye citty, shall in ye space of 
five days sett there stockadoes in a good and equall way, and 
upon pain and penalty of ye sume of six shillings for each per- 
son yt doth not perform ye same, May 14. 

Evert Bancker is appointed Mayor of Albany by Gov. Fletcher. 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, Hendrick 

Van Rensselaer, I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, II. 

Albert Ryckman, Hendrick Hanse, III. Election, Sept. 29; 

sworn in, Oct. 14. 

• • • 

(See No. 3.) 

(Continued from No. 3.) 
1709. 



Johannes Abeel is sworn in as Mayor of Albany to succeed Evert 
Bancker, having been commissioned by Gov. Richard Ingolds- 
by, October. 

Charter election, Common Council : Myndert Schuyler, Robert 
Livingston, Jun., I. Gerrit Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler. II. 
Hendrick Hansen, Abraham Schuyler, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Col. Pieter .Schuyler and Col. Nicholson, accompanied by Capt. 
Abraham Schuyler as interpreter, sail for England with five 
sachems of the Mohawks in order to show them the strength 
of that country, that they may tell of the wonders seen to the 
Five Nations, and also to secure aid from Queen Anne for an 
expedition against Canada, December. 

One of the five Mohawk sachems dies on the vovage, December. 





HO NEE YEAIH TAW NO ROW. 

(John) " King " of the Generethgarich (Wolf 

iribe). 



TEE YEE NEEN HO GA ROW. 
(King Hendrick) " Emperor " of the Six Na- 
tions (Wolf tribej. 





ETOW OH KOAM. 

• King " of the River Nation 

(Turtle tribe). 



SA GA YEATH OUA PIETH TOW. 

' King " of the Maquaas, or Mohawks (Bear 
tribe) 



SCHUYLER'S INDIAN SACHEMS. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler, the first Mayor of Albany, took five Sachems to London in 
December, 1709, one dying on the voyage over, and they were presented in state to 
Queen Anne April 19, 1710, who had their portraits painted by I. Verelst before sailing 
back on the Dragon, May 8th. 



No. 2. JOHANNES ABEEL. I3I 

1710. 



1710. 

Col. Schuyler arrives in England with the sachems and they make 
" a great bruit thro' the whole kingdom. The mob followed 
wherever they went, and small cuts of them were sold among 
the people. * * * Sir Charles Cotterel conducted them in 
two coaches to St. James's and the lord chamberlain introduced 
them into the royal presence " of Queen Anne. " They were 
entertained at the public expense, and lodged in handsome 
furnished apartments in the house of an upholsterer, named 
Arne, in King street, Covent Garden. One was termed ' Em- 
peror of the Mohawks,' and the others ' Kings.' They were 
dressed in rich apparel ; they were driven about the city and 
adjacent country in coaches with livery; they visited the dock- 
yards and arsenalS; were taken aboard the men-of-war and 
heard the roar of their artillery. Nobles and statesmen enter- 
tained them at their tables. Their first audience with the queen 
was with all the formality and courtesy conceded to princes of 
the highest rank," January. 

Rev. Godfriedus Dellius, pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church, 
dies, A'Jarcli i. 

Gerardus lieeckman begins his administration of the Province of 
New York as its President, April lo. 

Sir Charles Cotterel conducts Pieter Schuyler, his companions and 
the sachems to .St. James's palace where the Duke of Shrews- 
bury presents them with the dignity observed with foreign po- 
tentates to Her Majesty, Queen Anne, April 19. 

Queen Anne ofters to confer knighthood upon Col. Pieter Schuyler 
(who had been Albany's first Mayor) but he respectfully de- 
clines the honor. However, he accepts tokens of her favor 
upon bringing the sachems across the water to her; she orders 
his portrait painted, presenting him with a gold snuff-box, a 
silver punch-bowl, some pieces of silver plate, and for his wife 
a diamond brooch and earrings, April. 

The four sachems ride " in one of the Queen's barges, and took 
a view of Greenwich hospital, as also the dock and yard at 
Woolwich," April 21. 

The sachems visit Banqueting Hall, then the Chapel at White- 
hall, April 22. 

Review of the four troops of guards of horse with the grenadiers 
at Hyde Park, by the Duke of Ormond, for the pleasure of 
the sachems, April 26. 



132 JOHANNES ABEEL. No. 2. 

1710. 

Archbishop of Canterbury presents eacTi sachem with a handsome 
Jjible. April 28. 

Pieter Schuyler and his Mohawk sachems, Hendrick and John (who 
sign their names with the mark of a wolf facing the right), 
Brandt (who signs with the mark a pig) and Etawa Caume 
(who signs with mark of a tortoise) depart from London for 
home, sailing on the man-of-war " Dragon," ' May 8. 

Brigadier Robert Hunter arrives from England at New York, and 
at once begins his administration of the province of New York 
as Governor, June 14. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler and the four Mohawk sachems arrive from 
England on board the " Dragon " at Boston, July 15. 

Gov. Robert Hunter commissions Robert Livingston, Jun., Mayor 
of Albany. 

Charter election. Common Council : David Schuyler, Harmanus 
Wendell, L Abraham Cuyler, Gerrit Roseboom, H. Abraham 
Schuyler, Wessell tenBroeck, HL Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 
• -A- * 

(See No. 12.) 



No. 3. 
Oct. 15, 1695 — Sept. 28, 1696. 

* ■?:- -K- 

. 1707 , 1709. 



No. 3. 
EVERT BANCKER. 

Date of office:, (a) October 15, 1695-September 28, 1696, 
(b) I 707-1 709. 

Appointed by: (a) Governor (Col.) Benjamin Fletcher, 
(b) Governor Edward Hyde. 

Date of birth: January 24, 1665. 

Place of birtJi: Beaverwyck. 

Parents: Gerrit (B.) and Elizabeth Dirkse A'an Eps. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Elizabeth Abeel (sister of 2d Mayor). 

Date: September 24, 1686. 

Children: (11-7 s. 4 d.) Gerardus (1691), EHzabeth (1693), 
Christoffel (b. 1695, m. Elizabeth Hooglant), Anna (1697), 
Willem (b. 1699), m. Annatje Veeder), Jannetje (1701), 
Adrianus (1703), Gerardus (b. 1706, m. Maria De Peyster), 
Anna (1708), Johannes (1710), Johannes (m. Magdalena 
Veeder). 

Residence: South side Yonkers (State) street, 4th east of Pearl. 

Occupation: Farmer. Merchant. 

Religioji: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: July, 1734. 

Place of death: Guilderland, N. Y. 

Place of burial : Guilderland ; on July loth. 

Title: Judge. 

Remarks: Justice of Peace, 1692. Assembly. 1702. Master in 
Chancery, October 13, 1705. Indian Commissioner, August 
10, 1696; 1706; 1710; 1720; 1724; 1726; 1728. Farmed in 
Guilderland. 




E 



ALBANY MAP OF 1695- 
Drawn by Rev. John Miller, British Army Chaplain ; boundaries, Hudson 
River on east, Steuben st. on north. Fort Frederick at Lodge st. on west, Hud- 
son ave. on south. I, Fort. 2, Dutch Church. 3, Lutheran Church. 4, Its 
burial place. 5, Dutch Church burial place. 6, Handlaars st. (Broadway) . 7, 
Blockhouses. 8, Stadt Huis or City Hall. 9, Gun at water front. 10, Stockade. 
II, Six city gates. 12, Yonkers (Gentleman's, or State) st. 13, Pearl st. 14, 
Barrack (Chapel) st. 15, Court st. 16, Middle Lane (James st.). 17, Rom st. 
(Maiden Lane). 



No. 3. EVERT BANCKER. I35 

1695-1696. 

(Continued from No. 2.) 
1695. 



Evert Bancker having been commissioned Mayor of Albany to 
succeed Johannes Abeel, he Ts sworn into office, Oct. 15. 

Rev. John Miller writes " A description of the Province and 
City of New York," printed in London " and published for the 
' enlightenment of such as would desire information anent the 
New-Found-Land of America," stating of Albany: " Jt is in 
circumference about six furlongs, and hath therein about 200 
houses, a fourth part of what there is reckoned to be in New 
York. The form of it is septangular, and the longest line (is) 
that which buts upon the river running from north to south. 
On the west angle is the fort, quadrangular, strongly stocka- 
doed and ditched round, having in it twenty-one pieces of 
ordnance mounted. On the northwest side are two block- 
houses, and on the southwest as many ; on the southeast angle 
stands one block-house ; in the middle of the line from thence 
northward is a horned work, and on the northeast angle a 
mount. The whole city is well stockadoed round, and in the 
several fortifications named are about thirty guns. Dependent 
on this city, and about twenty miles distance to the northward 
from it, is the Fort of Scanectade, quadrangular, with a treble 
stockado, a new block-house at every angle, and in each block- 
house two great guns." 

Order for 450 new stockadoes passed by the Council in order to 
improve the protection of the city against warring Indians 
or invasion by the French from Canada, Dec. 17. 

Citizens raise $250 for paving the city's streets. 



1696. 



Pirates in great number infest the Hudson river at its mouth and 
waylay vessels on their way to Albany, speeding out from 
coves and from behind islands, and again returning to the 
rocky shores or ascending the mountains along the river to 
conceal their plunder. 

Governor Bellomont and Robert Livingston, having invested their 
money as a partnership in a speedy craft to chase pirates, under 



136 EVERT BANCKER. No. 3. 

1696, 1707-1708. 



the English Crown's consent to allow them whatever cargo 
is captured from the pirates, send their vessel to the West Indies 
imdcr command of the skilled Captain William Kidd, February. 

Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck is commissioned Mayor of Albany by 
Governor Benjamin Fletcher, September. 

Charter election. Common Council: Johannis Schuyler, Hendrick 
V"an Rensselaer, I. Jan Lansingh, Jan Van Hagen, II. Albert 
Ryckman, Hendrick Hanse, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. Ki. 



(See No. 4.) 

(Continued from Xo. 11.) 
1707. 



Evert Bancker, having been commissioned by Governor Edward 
Hyde to be the Mayor of Albany a second time, he is sworn as 
such, October. 

Charter election. Common Council : Evert Bancker elected, but 
commissioned Mayor and not sworn, — Robert Livingston, Jun., 
Myndert Schuyler, I. Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, 
II. Hendrick Hansen, Frans Winne, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1708. 



Lord John Lovelace arrives at New York from England. 

Rev. Thomas Barclay, chaplain of Fort Anne, begins services of 
Church of England at Albany. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler endeavors to persuaTle administration of pro- 
vince of New York of necessity of subduing Canada. 

The Schaihtecogue tract of land north of Albany (2x2x I2x 14 
miles) that was purchased in February, 1707, of Indians, 
surveyed, divided into farms and leased to settlers. 

John Lovelace begins administration as governor of New York, 

Dec. 18. 

Charter election. Common Council : Robert Livingston, Jun., Myn- 
dert Schuyler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Nanning Harmense, II. 
Hendrick Hansen, Frans Winne, HI. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



No. 3. EVERT BANCKER. I37 

1709. 



1709. 

Queen Anne writes to the governors of the provinces of New York, 
Pennsylvania and New England that she is fitting out an ex- 
pedition against Canada, and has resolved to attack Montreal 
and Quebec, the former by an army of 1,500 sent by way of 
Albany and Lake Champlain, the second by a squadron of ships 
and 1,200 Massachusetts militia, and she strongly expresses 
her desire for the interest of Pieter Schuyler in the enterprise, 
as he was " well qualified for the service, and a very proper 
person to be employed in the expedition," March. 

Pieter Schuyler made President of Province of New York, May 6. 

Richard Ingoldsby begins his administration of Province of New 
York as governor, May 9. 

Pieter Schuyler made Councilor or President of New York, May 25. 

Richard Ingoldsby begins administration as governor, June i. 

Col. Schuyler takes troops to invade Canada, but turns back at 
Wood Creek because of failure of naval force to co-operate. 

Centennial of Hendrick Hudson's arrival at site of Hudson, N. Y., 

Sept. 19. 

Johannes Knickerbacker, miller, oldest of seven children of Her- 
man Jansen Knickerbacker (the first of family in America) 
leases farm in the Schaihtecogue tract, taking 30 morgens for 
16 pounds 10 shillings, and contracting to pay yearly to the 
Mayor of Albany 37,^/-2 bushels of good merchantable winter 
wheat, Oct. 13. 

Governor Ingoldsby commissions Johannes Abeel to be the Mayor 
of Albany a second time, September. 

• • * 

(See No. 2.) 



No. 4. 

Strrk U^BHrlar Sat Mvattk 



Sept. 29. 1696 — Sept. 28, 1698. 



No. 4. 
DIRCK WESSELSE TEN BROECK. 

Date of office: September 29, 1696-September 28, 1698. 

Appointed by: Governor (Col.) Benjamin Fletcher. 

Date of birth: December 18, 1638. 

Parents: Wessel Ten Broeck, of Minister, Westphalia. ( ?) 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Christyna (Cornelise?) Van Buren. 

Date: Albany, , 1663. 

Children: (13-6 s. 7 d.) Wessel (b. 1664, m. Cattryna Loocker- 
mans), father of 21st Mayor, Elsje (ni. Johannes Cuyler, 
14th Mayor), Catalyntje (m. Johannes Legget), Cornelia (m. 
Johannes Wynkoop), Geertruy (m. Abraham Schuyler), 
Christina (m. Johannes Van Alen), Elizabeth (m. Antony 
Costar), Lidia (m. Volckert Van Vechten), Samuel (b. 1680, 
m. Maria Van Rensselaer), Ephraim and Manasse (twins, 
b. 1681, d. y.), Johannes (b. 1683, m. Elizabeth Wendell and 
Catryna Van Rensselaer), Tobias (b. 1689, m. Maritie Van 
Stryen). 

Residence: East side, cornel- Yonkers (State) street and Yaugh 
(James) street. 

Occupation: Exporter of beaver skins. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: September 18. 171 7. 

Place of death: " Bouwerie," Clermont, N. Y. 

Place of burial: By Roelof Jansen's Kil, on " Bouwerie," Clermont, 
N. Y. 

Title: Major. 

Remarks: Appointed Commissary by Governor Andros, 1676. 
Major of Militia, 1691. Captain. Indian Commissioner, 30 
years, to October 2, 1716. Justice of the Peace, 1684, by 
Governor Dongan. Alderman, July 26, 1686, first city board. 
Assembly, ist session, 1691, 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th. Recorder, 
October, 1686-1696. Deacon, 1673. Bought 1,800 acres of 
Robert Livingston. October 26, 1694, on Roelof Jansen's Kil, 
Clermont, N. Y., for \^£. Carried the truce of King James 
II. to Governor of Canada, June 11, 1688. 




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No. 4. DIRCK WESSELSE TEN BROECK. I4I 

1696- 1698. 

(Continued from Xo. ^.) 
1696. 



Dircl-c VVesselse Ten LJroeck is sworn into office as the Mayor of 
Albany to succeed Evert Bancker, having been commissioned 
by Governor Benjamin Fletcher, Sept. 29. 



1697. 



Population of the county enumerated as 379 men, 270 women, 803 
children; total, 1,452 inhabitants, not counting Indians, and 
mostly residing within the city itself, June 16. 

Robert Livingston, Jun., manager at Albany for the Manor at Cler- 
mont of his uncle of same name, the first proprietor, and a few 
years later to be the Mayor of Albany, marries Margareta 
Schuyler, the niece of this uncle's wife and the eldest daughter 
of Col. Pieter Schuyler, the city's first Mayor, the license bear- 
ing the date July 26. 

John Rateclifife named city porter, whose duty it is to close the 
city gates and ring the bells at proper intervals, Nov. 23. 

Charter election Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, Hendrick 
Van Rensselaer, I. Jan Lansingh, Jan VanHagen, II. Hen- 
drick Hanse, Wesselse tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1698. 



Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont, who had become an intimate 
friend of Robert Livingston on his trip to England when he 
sought payment from the Crown for feeding the troops, arrives 
from England at New York, April 2. 

Earl of Bellomont begins his administration as Governor of the 
Province of New York, April 13. 

Population of the county: 382 men, 262 women, 805 children, 23 
negroes; total, 1,472 inhabitants (as reported by census ordered 
by Gov. Fletcher), April 19. 



142 DIPX'K WESSELSE TEN BROECK. No. 4. 

1698. 

Indian census of the county shows no Mohawks, 70 Oneidas, 250 
Onondagas, 200 Cayugas, 600 Senecas, 90 River Indians ; total, 
1,320 Indians, April 19. 

Report shows 142 men, 68 women, 209 children had left the county 
during hostilities ; 16 taken prisoner, 84 killed, 38 died, 

April 19. 

Gov. Coote visits Albany to meet sachems of the Five Nations in 
assembly and is chagrined by their cool reception ; takes ex- 
ception to what Gov. Fletcher had done and criticizes the work 
of Dominie Dellius (in report to Commissioners of Council 
of Trade) and makes changes in administration of affairs. 

Captain Kidd, who had been commissioned by Robert Livingston 
and the Earl of Bellomont to use their ship and capture pirates, 
the Crown allowing them the possession of cargoes of all such 
unlawful craft, being unsuccessful in capturing pirates, turns 
pirate himself, and using the vessel of these men of high posi- 
tion becomes notorious as a terror of the seas. 

Hendrick Hansen commissioned Mayor by Gov. Richard Coote, 

September. 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, Hendrick 

Van Rensselaer, I. Jan Van Hagen, Johannis Cuyler, II. Wes- 

selse tenBroeck, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. 29; 

sworn in, Oct. 14. 

• • • 

(See No. 5.) 



No. 5. 



Sept. 29, 1698 , 1699. 



No. 5. 
HENDRICK HANSEN. 

Date of office: September 29, 1698- 1699. 

Appointed by: Governor Richard Coote. 

Parents: Captain Hans (Hendrickse) and Eva Gillise. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Debora \'an Dam. 

Date: September 21 1692. 

Children: (7-5 s. 2d.) Debora (1693). Hans (17th Mayor, b. 1695, 
m. Sara Cuyler), Maria (b. 1697, m. David Schuyler), 
Nicholas (1698), Pieter (1700), Rykaart (1703, m. Sara 
Thong, 1727; Catharina Ten Broeck, 1738), Jefie (1705, 
d. y.). 

Residence: East side Market street (Broadway) next north of 
Bleecker Hall site. 

Occupation: Trader. Merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: February. 1724. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: Dutch Church, on February 19th. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Alderman. Assembly. Indian Commissioner. 



No. 5. HENDKICK HANSEN. 



145 



1698-1699. 



(Continued from No. 4.) 
1698. 



Hendrick Hansen is sworn into office as the Mayor of Albany to 
succeed Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck, having been commissioned 
such by Governor Richard Coote, Sept. 29. 

Population of the Province of the New York 18,067. 



1699. 



Mayor, recorder, aldermen. Rev. G. Delhus and 166 citizens sub- 
scribe to the following new form of oath : " I , do hereby 

Promise and Swear yt I will be faithful and bear true allegiance 

to his majesty, King WilTiam, so help me God. I, , do 

swear that I do from my heart abhor, detest and abjure as 
Impious and Heretical, yt damnaBle Doctrine and Position, yt 
Princes Excommunicated or Deprived by ye Pope or any au- 
thority of ye See of Rome, may be deposed or murthered 
by their subjects or any other whatsoever. And I doe declare 
yt no foreign Prince, Person, Prelate, State or Potentate, hath 
or ought to have any Jurisdiction, Power, Superiority, Pre- 
eminence or Authority, Ecclesiasticale or Spirituall within 
this Realm. So help me God." Jan. 4. 

Land patents granted by Indians to Pieter Schuyler, William Pin- 
horn, Rev. G. Dellius, Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck and Evert 
Bancker (50 miles long and two miles in width each side of 
the ]\Iohawk river west of the site of Amsterdam, under Gov. 
Fletcher) annulled by the Assembly, as recommended by Gov. 
Coote, who seeks to overthrow all that Gov. Fletcher had 
enacted. | May, 

Rev. Godfreidus Dellius deprived of pastorate of Reformed Dutch 
church by an Act suggested by Gov. Coote, and Rev. Johannes 
Petrus Nucella appointed. May. 

John Nanfan becomes lieutenant-governor of Province of New 
York, May 17. 

Lord Bellomont, smarting under criticism that he had been the 
one to engage Captain Kidd in February of 1696 to capture 
pirates and then possess their stealings in shares with Robert 



.146 HENDRICK HANSEN. No. 5. 

1699. 

Livingston to cover the expense, and thereby break up piracy, 
induces Capt. Kidd by a decoy letter to come to Boston, and 
there arrests him, June. 

Robert Livingston, accused at Boston before the Board of Trade by 
Lord Bellomont, his former partner in a ship to catch pirates, 
hastens to that city and exonerates himself of any ill-doing in 
the fact that his vessel had been used by Captain Kidd as 
pirate craft, July. 

Pieter Van Brugh (or V^erbrugge) commissioned Mayor of Albany 
by Lieut. -Governor John Nanfan, September. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, David 

Schuyler, L Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, H. Wes- 

selse tenBroeck, Albert Ryckman, IIL Election, Sept. .29; 

sworn in, Oct. 14. 

• • • 

(See No. 6.) 



No. 6. 



, 1699 , 1700. 



Nov. 9, 1720 , 1723. 



No. 6. 

PIETER VAN BRUGH (VERBRUGGE). 

Date of office: (a) 1699-1700. 

(b) November 9, 1720-1723. 
Date of appointment: (a) 

(b) November 9, 1720. 
Appointed by: (a) Lieutenant-Governor John Nanfan. 

(b) Governor William Burnet. 
Date of birth: July 14, 1666. 
Parents: Johannes Pieterse (Verbrugge) and Tryntje (or Catrina) 

Roeloffse (Rodenburg-h). 
Education: Common school. 

Married to-: Sara Cuyler (sister of 14th Mayor). 
Date: New York, November 2, 1688. 
Children: (i) Catherine (baptized November 10, 1689). 
Residence: South side Yonkers (State) street west of Pearl 

street. 
Occupation: Holland trader. 
Religion: Dutch Reformed. 
Date of death: July, 1740. 
Place of death : Albany. 

Place of burial: Dutch Church, on July 20th. 
Title: Captain. 
Remarks: Grandson of Anneke Jans (or Jansen). 



No. 6. PIETER VAN BRUGH. I49 



1699- 1700. 



(Continued from No. 5.) 
1699. 



Pieter \'an Brugh (or \'erbrugge) sworn as the Mayor of Albany 
to succeed Hendrick Hansen, having been commissioned by 
Lieut. -Governor John Nanfan. 

In order to economize, the 14 soldiers of the block-house near the 
South gate, by a resolution of Common Council, are ordered 
lodged in the fort, Nov. 29. 

John Ratcliffe and Robert Barrett are appointed " rattle-watch " 
(ratelwagh) and to patrol the city, beginning at the main 
guard-house nearby the South gate, northward on Market 
(Broadway) street to the Rutten kill bridge where lives Col. 
Schuyler, then by Yonkers (State) street up the hill to the fort, 
along the hill to Alderman Roseboom's residence, east of Par- 
rel (Pearl) street and north of Rom (Maiden Lane) street, 
east on Rom street and back to guard-house, beginning at 10 
o'clock and continuing" imtil dawn, carrying lantern and rattle 
to give alarm, Nov. 29. 

Officers of the city regiment and county militia : Colonel, Pieter 
Schuyler; major, Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck. First foot- 
company: Captain, Johannes Bleecker; lieutenant, Johannes 
Roseboom ; ensign, Abraham Cuyler. Second foot-company : 
Captain, Albert Janse Ryckman ; lieutenant, Dirck Wesselse 
Ten Broeck; ensign, Johannes Thomasse. County's first foot- 
company: Captain, Martain Cornelisse ; lieutenant, Andries 
Douw ; ensign, Andries Coeymans. County's second foot- 
company : Captain, Gerrit Teunisse ; lieutenants, Jonas Douw 
and Joachim Lamerse ; ensigns, Volckert van Hoesen and Abra- 
ham Hanse. Troop of horse : Captain, Kiliaen \"an Rens- 
selaer ; lieutenant. Johannes Schuyler ; cornet, Bennony Van 
Corlaer ; quartermaster, Anthony Bries. December. 



1700. 



Cornells Bogardus licensed school-teacher, Jan. 23. 

Stephen de Lancey who, with other Huguenot families was stripped 

of his estate under the Edict of Nantes, and had arrived at 



150 PIETER VAN BRUGH. No. 6. 

1700. 

New York on June 7, 1686, marries Anne Van Cortlandt, whose 
mother was a Schuyler of Albany, Jan. 23. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler, Robert Livingston and Hendrick Hansen go 
on visit to Onondaga to address the Five Nations, hoping to 
win them from the French cause, April 9. 

The three Indian commissioners return, May 2. 

Rev. Johannes Lydius succeeds Rev. Johannes Petrus Nucella as 
dominie of Reformed Dutch church. July 20. 

Richard Coote (Earl of Bellomont) again becomes governor, 

July 24. 

Gov. Coote writes to England : " The soldiers in garrison at Albany 
are in such a shameful condition for the want of clothes, that 
the women when passing them are obliged to cover their eyes. 
The Indians ask with significance, Do you think us such fools 
as to believe a king who cannot clothe his soldiers can protect 
us from the French with their 1,400 men all in good 
condition?" July 26. 

Witchcraft was introduced into Albany from Canada as related in 
Gov. Coote's letter to the Lords of Trade, wherein he states : 
" Decannissore, one of the Sachems of the Onondagas, married 
one of the praying Indians in Canada, this woman was taught 
to poison as well as pray. The Jesuits had furnish'd her with 
so subtill a poison, and taught her leger de main in using it; 
so that whoever she had a mind to poison she would drink to 
'em a cup of water, and let drop the poison from under her nail 
(which are always very long, for the Indians never pare 'em) 
into the cup. This woman was so true a disciple of the 
Jesuits, that she has poison'd a multitude of our Five Nations 
that were best affected to us. * ''' * 't was not fit she should 
live any longer in the world to do more mischief; and so made 
up to her, and with a club beat out her brains," July 26. 

Common Council agrees to permit " two churchwardens of Shin- 
nechtady " to solicit alms here in order to make up a sufficient 
sum as salary for Dominie Freman, Sept. 21. 

Gov. Coote, in his letter to the Board of Trade, speaks of a confab 
with the sachems as follows : " The Interpreter who was sent 
to hasten the Sachems (to meet the governor at Albany) re- 
ported that their minds were so possess'd with a jealousy of 
my intending them mischief as the French had suggested to 
them, that they were all that while deliberating whether to 
venture to meet me at Albany. My conference with the 
Indians . . . lasted seven or eight days, and was the 
greatest fatigue I ever underwent in my whole life. I was 




DUTCH CHURCH VVE^THER-COCK. 
This is one of the most ancient souvenirs of the city. 
It is made of beaten brass and bears marks of three 
bullets. It stood on the church built in 1656 at foot 
. f State St., removed in 1806, and in 1906 was on 
Vower of Madison Ave. Reformed Church, 



No. 6. PIETER VAN BRUGH. I5I 

1700, 1720-1721. 

shut up in a close chamber with 50 Sachems, who besides the 
stink of bear's grease with which they plentifully dawb'd them- 
selves were continually either smoking tobacco or drinking 
drams of rum. They seem'd sullen and out of humour at first, 
but by degrees I brought 'em to perfect good temper. I am 
told there never appeared so many Sachems at any conference 
as at this," Oct. 17. 

Jan Jansen Bleecker commissioned to be the Mayor of Albany by 
the Earl of Bellomont. Governor of Province of New York, 

September. 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, David 

Schuyler, I. Johannis Roseboom. Johannis Cuyler, II. Wes- 

selse tenBroeck, Johannis Abeel, III. Election, Sept. 29; 

sworn in, Oct. 14. 

• • • 

(See No. 7.) 

( Continued from No. 13.) 
1720. 

Pieter Van Brugh sworn as the Mayor of Albany a second time, 
succeeding Myndert Schuyler and holding the commission of 
Governor William Burnet, Nov. 9. 



1721. 



A school-teacher being necessary, the Common Council resolves: 
" Whereas it is very requisite & necessary that a fitt and able 
school master settle in this city for teaching and instructing of 
the youth in speling, reading, writeing and cyfifering and Mr. 
Johannes Glandorf haveing offered his service to setle here and 
keep a school if reasonably encourage by ye Corporation, it is 
therefore Resolved by this Comonalty and they do herebv 
oblidge themselves and their successors to give and procure 
unto ye said Johan's Glandorf free house rent for the term of 
seaven years next ensueing for keeping a good and commend- 
able school as becomes a diligent Schoolmaster," April 8. 

Beaver-skins valued at $33,295 exported in 1721, 

Charter election. Common Council : Goose van Schaick, Harmanus 
Wendell, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Hen- 
drick Hansen, Johannis Pruyn, TIL Election, Sept. 29; sworn 
in, ' Oct. 14. 



152 PIETER VAN BRUGH. No. 6. 

1722. 



1722. 



Gov. William Burnet remonstrates at Albany with the River 
Indians (Mahikanders) regarding their too free use of intoxi- 
cants, suggesting that they apply the money spent upon liquor 
for clothing, to which one of the sachems replies : " We are 
sensible that you are much in the right that rum does a great 
deal of harm. We approve of all that you said on that point, 
but the truth is this : When our people come from hunting to 
the town or to the plantations and acquaint the traders and 
people that we want powder, shot, and clothing, they first give 
us a large cup or rum, and after we get the taste of it we crave 
for more so that at last all the beaver and peltry we have 
hunted goes for drink, and we are left destitute either of cloth- 
ing or ammunition ; therefore we desire our father to order the 
tap or crane to be shut and to prohibit the selling of rum, for 
as long as the Christians will sell rum, our people will drink it. 
* * * We acknowledge that our father is very much in the 
right to tell us that we squander away our Indian corn which 
should subsist our wives and children, but one great cause of 
it is that many of our people are obliged to hire land of the 
Christians at a very dear rate and to give half the corn for rent, 
and the other half they are tempted by rum to sell, and the 
corn goes so that the poor women and children are left to,, 
shift as well as they can. * * * We have no more land. 
The Christians when they buy a small spot of land ask us if 
we have no more land. When we say yes, they wish to know 
the name of it, and take a greater quantity than was to be sold 
to them, and the Indians not understanding what is written 
in the deed or bill of sale, sign it and are thus deprived of part 
of their lands," Aug. 30. 

Gov. xA-lexander Spotswood of X^irginia and Sir William Keith, 
Governor of Pennsylvania, confer with sachems of Five Nations 
at Albany, and renew covenants, September. 

Beaver-skins valued at $41,665 exported in 1722. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis 
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Jo- 
hannis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn 
in, Oct. 14. 



No. 6. PIETER VAN BRUGH. 1 53 

1723. 



1723. 

Gov. Burnet writes to the Lords of Trade that he has at last suc- 
ceeded in inducing the far Indians to come to Albany to trade, 
some coming " above a thousand miles to Albany from Mis- 
limakenak, which lyes between Lac Superieur and Lac 
Huron;" June 25. 

Myndert Schuyler commissioned to be Mayor of Albany by Gov- 
ernor William Burnet, '^7^Z- 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis 
dePeyster, L Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, IL Johan- 
nis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, IIL Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 
• • • 

(See No. 13.) 



No. 7. 

Jan MnBm Mittthtx. 



,1700 ,1701. 



No. 7. 
JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. 

Date of office: 1 700-1 701. 

Appointed by: (Gov.) Earl of Bellomont. 

Date of birth: July 9, 1641. 

Place of birth: Meppel, Overyssel, Elolland. 

Parents: Jan (B.). 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Margariet (or Greitjen) Rutse Jacobsen Van Schoen- 
derwoert. 

Date: January 2, 1667. 

Children: (9-4 s. 5 d.) Johannes (8th Mayor, b. 1668), Catharine, 
Jane, Rutger (15th Mayor, b. 1675), Nicholas, Margaret, 
Hendrick (1686), Rachel (1688), Maria (1692). 

Occupation: Trader. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: November 21, 1732. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: Dutch Church, on November 24th. 

Title: Captain, 

Remarks: Emigrated to Albany, 1658. City Chamberlain, 1686. 
Indian Commissioner, 1691-4. Captain of Militia, Indian 
War, 1689. Recorder, 1696-1700. Justice of Peace, 1697. 
Member of Provincial Assembly, 1698-1701. 



w 



• iiaI > ■ .: "'^''^-j^xis?^ 





7. JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. 
I 700-1 701. 
From what is believed to be a life-size oil-painting of him, owned in 1906 by 
Mrs. James B. Speyers, nee Katharine Van Vechten Miller, of New York city. 



No. 7- JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. I57 

1 700- 1701. 

( Continued from Xo. 6. ) 
1700. 



Jan Jansen Bleecker sworn as the Mayor of Albany, having l)een 
commissioned by Sir Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont, the 
Governor of the Province of Xew York. 

Albany count}- furnishes y]\ militiamen of the 3,182 in the militia 
of the Province of New York. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler in command of the militia of Albany county, 
with Uirck Wesselse Ten Broeck the major. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer the captain of the troop of horse. 

Beaver-skins numbering- 15,241 exported in 1700. 

Gov. Coote, in his letter to the Board of Trade, describes the condi- 
tion of the soldiers at Albany as follows : " I had the two 
Companies at Albany, vizt. Major Ingoldesby's and Capt. 
Weeme's muster'd before me there. * * * I never in my 
life saw so moving a sight as that of the Companies at Albany, 
half the men were without breeches, shoes, and stockins when 
they muster'd. I thought it shameful to the last degree to see 
English soldiers so abus'd. They had like to have mutinied. 
* •:• * J .^^g jj.^ great hopes your Lordships would have 
directed me to fall immediately upon fortifying at Albany and 
Schenectady ; these forts are not only scandalously weak, but 
do us unspeakable mischief with our Indians, who conceive a 
proportionable idea of the Kings power & greatness. The in- 
habitants came all about me at my leaving Albany and told 
me in plain terms that if the King would not build a Fort there 
to protect 'em they would on the very first news of a war be- 
tween England and France desert that place and fly to New 
York rather than they would stay tliere to have their throats 
cut. '' * * There are half a dozen at Albany who have 
competent estates, but all the rest are miserable poor." Oct. 17. 

Retailing of liquor prohibited, unless by Mayor's license, imder 
penalty of $25, and absolutely no selling of same to soldiers 
after the 8 o'clock bell at night, Nov. 15. 

Assessment of 1,200 f and ^"j "loadwood "' levied for "ye Rattle- 
watch," Dec. 30. 



1701. 



Beaver-skins, formerly bringing 14 shillings per pound at London, 
now selling for only five shillings. 



158 JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. No. 7. 



1701. 



Sir Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont, the Governor of the Prov- 
ince of New York, dies suddenly, and having heeded those who 
had been jealous of ex-Mayor Pieter Schuyler it prevents the 
carrying out of his plans to lower Schuyler's powerful influence 
among the Indians and might have soon made him a man of 
less importance, March 5. 

Pieter Schuyler. William Smith and Abraham De Peyster made 
councilors to act as administrators, Lieut. -Gov. John Nanfan 
being absent in the West Indies, jNIarch 5. 

The council appointed on the 5th administers the affairs of the 
Province of New York until the return of John Nanfan from 
Barbadoes, and who assumes control on his arrival at New 
York, Alay 19. 

Governor John Nanfan directs Johannes Bleecker, Jun., and David 
Schuyler (son of David Pieterse Schuyler) to go to Onondaga 
and there notify the Five Nations of his desire for a conference 
at Albany, as well as to observe with the skill he knows they 
possess what influence the French have among those Indians, 
and they set out, June 2. 

Johannes Bleecker, Jun., and David Schuyler arrive at Onondaga, 
the council place of the Indians, June 10. 

Johannes Bleecker, Jun., and David Schuyler attend the meeting 
held by the Onondaga and Seneca sachems, and perceive that 
the Protestant wampum belt sent to them by the Earl of Bello- 
mont, when Governor of New York Province, is hanging beside 
the Catholic belt sent by Callieres of Canada, in the Indian 
council-house, showing that the sachems had not yet decided 
whether to be the allies of the French of Canada or of the 
English colonies, and Dekanissora, the mourning hermit, told 
in an eloquent discourse how Callieres had been kind to him 
at the last audience granted at Montreal, kissing him with all 
appearances of deep affection on both cheeks, ordering his 
portrait painted, had dined him sumptuously at his own table 
with the white people, had presented him with a double- 
barrelled gun. with a laced coat and hat, a magnificent shirt 
and an abundance of tobacco, and upon his departure for the 
home of the tribes had ordered three Frenchmen not to allow 
him to do any of the rowing of his bark canoe from Montreal 
to Fort Frontenac, June 14. 

A messenger announces at the council of sacheius that AI. Marin- 
cour was approaching, being then but eight miles distant, come 
from Canada to announce that the King of Spain was dead, 
that the Governor of Canada desired the sachems of the tribes 




INDIAN TREATY. 
Albany was the scene of treaty-making with Indian sachems time and again. 
Colonists came here even from Maryland for the purpose. The Dutch had the 
advantage in that for trivial gifts they made the Indians allies. (Copyright by 
C. Y. Turner.) 



No./. JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. 1 59 

1701. 

to come into his presence, as he wished to make it clear that 
the French and not the colonists were their most able friends, 
more willing to help them fight battles with hostile Indians, and 
he desired some squaws sent to fetch his luggage into their 
camp, June i8. 

The council of the sachems having been in session for a week, the 
time drew near when it was necessary to determine among the 
chiefs which religious belt, the Catholic of the French implying 
Canada's aid, or the Protestant belt, signifying alliance with 
the English colonists, should be chosen, accordingly Dekanis- 
sora sought Bleecker and Schuyler privately for their advice. 
The Indian stated there was a vast difference of opinion among 
the tribes, as some would agree to have a priest on one side 
of the castle and a minister on the other. The Albany dele- 
gates said this would cause confusion, and above all they should 
not cringe to the French ; but to this the chief answered : " We 
fear the French will make war on us, and we shall then fade 
away like the Mohawks. You may promise assistance, but 
what does that avail, so long as you do not give it?" The 
same night the old chief called at the tent of the Albanians 
again, and said no decision had been reached and he had him- 
self been so troubled about the matter that for two nights he 
had not slept, anxious to advise his tribe aright, June 21. 

At the council meeting of the tribes at Onondaga, with envoys from 
Canada and Albany present, Dekanissora states the situation 
as follows : " We are desired by both parties to become 
Christians, and we see the belts hanging before us. You make 
us mad, and we know not which side to choose. But I will 
now say no more about it, and take the belts down and keep 
them, because you are both dear with your goods. We are 
sorry we cannot pray, but we have come to this conclusion, 
we will take a priest or minister of the party who sells his 
goods the cheapest. Our sachems meantime are going, some 
to Albany, others to Montreal, and we will think about it until 
winter. We have a suspicion that there will soon be another 
war between your nations, but we tell you both that we shall 
keep the peace," June 22. 

The sachems of the Five Nations divide, a set proceeding to Canada 
with the idea that by telling Callieres what the New York 
colonists will do he will be forced to make them presents of 
great value and order goods sold cheaply to them, while other 
sachems arrive at Albany to strike a bargain with Governor 
Nanfan, July i. 



l6o JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. No. J. 



1701. 



It is reported that Callieres when visited by the sachems from 
Onondag-a in an endeavor to gain their tribes as French allies, 
gives back the Iroquois prisoners held in Canada, July 15. 

Gov. Nanfan's conference with the sachems from Onondaga held 
at Albany for more than a week, results in a deed from the 
Indians to King William III, of the hunting-grounds situate 
between Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron, which these Indians 
had taken sixty years previous from the Hurons, July 19. 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, David 
Schuyler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Johannis Cuyler, II. Wes- 
selse tenBroeck, Johannis Abeel, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, second Lord of the Manor, or the fourth 
Patroon, marries his cousin, Maria, the daughter of Stephanus 
Van Cortland t, Oct. 15. 

Johannes Bleecker, Jun., commissioned the Mayor of Albany by 
Lieut.-Gov. John Nanfan, 



(See No. 8.) 



No. 6. 



, 1701 . 1702. 



No. 8. 
JOHANNES BLEECKER, JUN. 

Date of office: 1 701-1702. 

Appointed by: Lieutenant-Governor John Nanfan. 

Date of birth: May 2, 1668. 

Parents: Jan Jansen (B.), 7th Mayor, and Margariet Rutse Jacob- 
sen \"an Schoenderwoert. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Anna Costar. 

Date: October 29, 1693. 

Children: (9-6 s. 3 d.) Johannes (1694), Geertruy (1696, m. 
Abraham Wendell), Hendrik (1699). Nicholas (b. 1702, 
m. Margarita Roseboom), Hendrik (1706), Margarita (1709. 
m. Gerrit Marselis), Anna (1712), Jacob (1715), Anthony 
(1718). 

Residence: Northwest corner North Pearl street and Maiden lane 
(to Chapel street). 

Occupation: Interpreter to Indians. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: December 20, 1738. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: Dutch Church, on December 23. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Carried captive to Canada 1686; returned 1687. 
Recorder, 1700. Member of General Assembly, 1 701-2. 
Indian interpreter. 



No. 8. JOHANNES BLEECKER, JUN. 163 

1701-1702. 

(Continued from No. 7.) 
1701. 



Johannes Bleecker, Jun., is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, to 
succeed Jan Jansen Bleecker, having been commissioned by 
Lieut. -Governor John Nanfan^ 

John Collins, lieutenant of Captain Henry Holland's English gar- 
rison at Albany, marries Mrs. Margaret Verplanck, widow of 
Jacobus Verplanck and the daughter of Philip Schuyler, 

Nov. 2. 



1702. 



Col. Wolfgang William Romer plans Fort Anne and has four hun- 
dred loads of stone and one hundred tons of cement drawn 
for its construction, April. 

Edward Hyde (Viscount Cornbury) succeeds Lt.-Gov. Nanfan in 
administration of Province of New York, as governor, May 3. 

Garrison, consisting of 176 soldiers, commanded by Maj. Ingoldsby, 

June. 

Colonel Romer goes on a journey to Boston, June. 

Queen Anne (born at London Feb. 6, 1665, daughter of James H. 
and Anne Hyde) proclaimed queen of England, J"iie 17. 

Governor Hyde visits Albany and finds the soldiers eight weeks in 
arrears of subsistence and clothed so they barely had " where- 
withal to cover their nakedness/' July 5. 

In continued absence of Col. Romer, Gov. Hyde tired of waiting,, 
changes the design of Fort Anne and lays the first stone of 
the fort. Aug. 15. 

Colonel Romer returns from Boston, Aug. 19. 

The four hundred loads of stone entirely used in haste of construc- 
tion, fearing an attack by the French from the west of city, 

Aug. 26. 

Gov. Hyde writes to the Lords of Trade respecting the condition 
of the fort at Albany : " The fort is in a miserable condition. 
It is a stockadoed fort about one hundred and twenty feet long 
and seventy foot wide, the stockadoes are almost all roten to 
that degree that I can with ease push them down. There is 
but three and twenty guns in the fort, most of them unservice- 
able, the carryages * * * gg honey-combed that they 
cannot be fired without danger, * * * Schenectady is. 



164 JOHANNES BLEECKER, JUN. No. 8. 



1702. 



twenty miles from Albany upon another river by which the 
french must come if they attempt anything on Albany. This 
is an open Village. It was formerly stockadoed round but 
since the peace no care having been taken to repair the stock- 
adoes they are all down. There is a Stockadoed Fort but 
indeed it is more like a pound than a fort. There is eight 
Guns in it, not above three fit for service, no Garrison in it 
when I came, but a Serjeant and twelve men, no powder nor 
shot, neither great nor small, nor no place to put it into. 
* * * By Coll. Schuyler's care the Regiment of the Militia 
of the County of Albany is in pretty good condition but that 
is perfectly owing to his care." Sept. 24. 

Albert Janse Ryckman commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gov- 
ernor Edward Hyde 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, David 

Schuyler, L Johannis Roseboom, Johannis Cuyler, II. Hen- 

drick Hanse, Johannis Mingael, III. Election, Sept. 29; 

sworn in, Oct. 14- 

• • • 



(See No. 9.) 




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No. 9. 

Albert 3attH^ Sflrkman. 

. 1702 , 1703. 



No. 9. 

ALBERT JANSE RYCKMAN. 

Date of office: 1702- 1703. 

Appointed by: Governor Edward Hyde. 

Date of birth: Before 1663. 

Place of birth: Beverwyck. 

Parents: Jan Janse (R.) and Tryntje Janse. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Neeltje Ouackenbos.. 

Children: (12-5 s. 7 d.) Johannes, Albert, Tryntje, Pieter (m. 

Cornelia Keteltas), Harmanus, Marc^aret, Catharina (m. 

Anthony Bries). Maria (m. Barent Bratt), Magdalena 

(1685), Tobias (b. 1686, m. Helena Beeckman), Magdalena 

(1689), Ragel (1692). 
Residence: Near southwest corner Hudson avenue and Broadway. 
Occupation: Brewer. 
Religion: Dutch Reformed. 
Date of death: January, 1737. 
Place of death: Albany. 
Date of burial: On January 12th. 
Title: Captain. 







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No. 9- ALBERT JANSE RYCKMAN. 167 

1702-1703. 

(Continued from No. 8.) 
1702. 



Albert Janse Ryckman is sworn as the Mayor of Albany to succeed 
Johannes Bleecker, Jun., having been commissioned such by 
Governor Edward Hyde. 

Robert Livingston's Manorial estate at Claverack described in a 
letter sent to the Crown at this time as being " i6 miles long 
and 24 miles broad, but four or five cottages, occupied by men 
too poor to be farmers ; but are his vassals." 

Lord Cornbury, on assuming control of the Province of New York, 
reports to the home government at England on his examina- 
tion of affairs that of the entire militia in his province there 
was one alone that was in serviceable condition and that was 
Col. Pieter Schuyler's of Albany ; continuing : " In the whole 
province beside there is nothing like militia. It is a thing 
foreot." 



1703. 



Population of Albany counted stated as being 2,273, January. 

Population of the Province of New York (the state), 20,665. 

Work on the new Fort Anne ceases for the year, February. 

Evert Ridder licensed a school-teacher. May i. 

The French king orders beaver fur introduced into the manufac- 
ture of hats in order to aid the beaver trade of New York 
colony, May. 

Robert Livingston, of the Claverack Manor, sails from New York 
a second time, the object of this trip being to request Queen 
Anne to commission him as secretary of Indian Affairs with 
salary, which had been denied him by the Governor ; also to 
seek from the Crown payment for services in quartering the 
British troops, although some jealous men of Albany had 
asserted to the Governor that he had not furnished supplies 
as contracted, and he also desired to secure Protestant clergy 
to preach to the Indians, June 2. 

Robert Livingston's ship is captured off the English coast by a 
French privateer, and he is plundered of a large part of his 
valuable documents, June. 

Lord Cornbury (Gov. Edward Hyde) arrives at Albany for an 
important conference with his allies, the Five Nations, July 5. 



l68 ALBERT JAXSE RVCKMAN. No. 9. 



1703. 



Col. Pieter Schuyler (ex-Mayor) is requested to visit Onondaga 
and to learn, while arranging with the sachems for a conference 
at Albany with the Governor, why the " black gowns " (French 
priests) were allowed, contrary to agreement, to reside among 
the Indians, July. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler goes among the Indian tribes presenting a 
number of peace belts that he requests distributed among the 
Indian villages as tokens of friendship with the colonists, 
hoping thereby to avert future scalping parties making raids on 
the whites, August. 

Johannes Schuyler commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Governor 

Edward PIvde, 

• • • 



(See No. lo.) 



No. lO. 
, 1703 , 1706. 



No. lo. 
JOHANNES SCHUYLER. 

Date of office: 1703- 1706. 

Appointed by: Governor Edward Hyde. 

Date of birth: April 5, 1668. 

Place of birth: Rensselaerswyck. 

Parents: Philip Pieterse (S.) and Margarita Van Slichtenhorst. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Elizabeth Staats (Wendell). 

Date: April 25, 1695. 

Children: (4-2 s. 2 d.) Philip (1695), Johannes (b. 1697, m. 
Cornelia Van Cortlandt), Margarita (the "American Lady," 
b. 1701, m. Philip Schuyler), Catalyntje (b. 1704, m. Cornells 
Cuyler, 20th Mayor). 

Residence: Southeast corner State and Pearl streets. 

Occupation: Military. Trader. River transports. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: July 25, 1747. 

Place of death: Southeast corner State and Pearl streets. 

Place of burial: Dutch Church, on March 2d. 

Title: Captain. 

Remarks: Captain's commission, 1690. Attached to General Win- 
throp's army, 1691. Indian Commissioner, 1705-23. Mem- 
ber of Colonial Assembly, September i, i7io-]March 3, 1713. 
Alderman, first ward, September. 1738 and 1739. Brother 
of Mayor Pieter Schuyler. Brave in discharge of duties 
with Indians. 




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No. 10. JOHANNES SCHUYLER. 171 

1703-1704. 

(Continued from No. 9.) 
1703. 



Johannes Schuvler is sworn as the Mayor of Albany to succeed 
Albert Janse Ryckman, having been commissioned such by 
Lord Cornbury (Edward Hyde), Governor of the Province 
of New York, 

Charter election, Common Council ; David Schuyler, Evert Bancker,. 
I. Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II. Hendrick Hanse, 
Johannis Mingael, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14.. 



1704. 



Patent granted to Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, eldest son of Jeremiah 
Van Rensselaer, deceased, for entire Manor, including the 
Claverack patent. May 20. 

Common Council votes to erect a market-house in the middle of 
Yonkers (State) street, "opposite to ye lane between ye house 
of Maj. Dirck Wesselse ten Broeck and Evert Wendell, Senr. 
(Middle Lane, later James street) at ye Citty's charges," to be 
open Saturdays, May 30. 

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer conveys to his younger brother, Hendrick,, 
the Claverack or Lower Manor, and 1,000 acres of the Upper 
Manor, on east side of the river, including the site of Green- 
bush (Rensselaer), on making an amicable division of the vast 
estate, and to his sister, Maria, he gives a farm of a few 
hundred acres adjoining the Schuyler Elatts ; to his sister, 
Anna, a farm situate at the site of Bethlehem, June i.. 

Common Council directs property owners to lay a width of eight 
feet of sidewalk before their houses or lots, or forfeit 15 shil- 
lings, September 

Charter election. Common Council : Evert Bancker, David Schuy- 
ler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Johannis Cuyler, II. Hendrick 
Hanse, Johannis Mingael, III. Election,, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 

Rev. Thoroughgood Moor sent out by the Church of England to- 
instruct the Mohawks in religious matters, but is vigorousl}^ 
opposed and his work made difficult by fur-trading interests. 



172 JOHANNES SCHUYLER. No. 10. 

1704-1705. 

Capt. Higby reportint^" to the Common Council that his command 
requires quarters, it is resolved that lot be taken to see what 
citizens shall house them, Nov. 21. 



1705. 



Slaves selling- as high as $325, January. 

Numerous slaves escaping to Canada, the justices of the peace solicit 
the city administration to present to the assembly of Province 
of New York the necessity of protecting owners of slaves by 
passing a law, Jwne 5. 

Provincial assembly passes law : " All and every negro slave or 
slaves belonging to any of the inhabitants of the city and county 
of Albany, who shall from and after the first day of August 
of this present year of our Lord, 1705, be foimd traveling forty 
miles above the city of Albany, at or above a certain place 
called Sarachtoge, unless in company of his, her, or their 
master, mistress, or such employed by them, or either of them, 
and be thereof convicted by the oaths of two or more credible 
witnesses before the court of sessions of the peace of this city 
and county * * * shall suffer the pains of death as in 
cases of felony." Aug. i. 

Rev. Thoroughgood Moor, of England, returns to New York city, 
from his services among the Mohawks, having met with too 
much opposition by fur traders of Albany county. 

Robert Livingston commissioned " town-clerk, clerk of the peace, 
dlerk of the common pleas, in our county and city of Albany, 
and the secretary, or agent, of the government of New York 
to the Indians " by Queen Anne, a cousin of Lord Cornbury, 
Governor of New York Province, which confirmation of ap- 
pointments again made his what had been abrogated by Lord 
Bellomont w'hen he was nettled by the altercation at Boston 
in July, 1699, when he was charged with employing Captain 
Kidd as a pirate, Sept. 29. 

Charter election. Common Council : David Schuyler, Evert Bancker, 
L Johannis Rosebooni. Johannis Cuyler, TL Hendrick Plan- 
sen, Johannis Mingael, II L Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



No. lO. JOHANNES SCHUYLER. 1 73 

1706. 



1706. 

Slaves punished by whipping- al)()ut the cit^' b\' a paid man, May. 

David Davidse Schuyler commissioned Alayor of Albany by Lord 
Cornbury (Edward Hyde) Governor of the Province of New 
York, September. 

Charter election, Common Council : Evert Bancker, Thomas Wil- 
liams, I. Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II. Hendrick 
Hansen, Frans Winne. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

• • • 

(See No. 11.) 



No. 11. 



lautii lauttlB^^ ^rhugbr. 



, 1706 , 1707. 



No. II. 
DAVID DAVIDSE SCHUYLER. 

Date of office: 1 706-1 707. 

Appointed by: Governor Edward Hyde. 

Date of birth: June 11, 1669. 

Place of birth: " The Flatts." 

Parents: David (S.) and Catalyn Verplanck. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Elsje Rutgers. 

Date: Albany, January i, 1694. 

Children: (6-4 s. 2 d.) Catrina (1694, d. y.), David (b. 1697, m. 
Elizabeth Marschalk), Harmanus (b. 1700, m. Jannetje 
Bancker), Catherina (1703), Myndert (b. 1711, m. Elizabeth 
Wessels), Anthony (1715). 

Residence: South corner Broadway and Steuben street. 

Occupation: Trader. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: December 16, 1715. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Alderman. Justice. County Sheriff, 1705. Indian Com- 
missioner. Delegate to Council of the Onondagas. 




II. DAVID DAVIDSE SCHUYLER. 
1706- I 707. 
From an oil painting made from life, owned in 1904 by Mrs. John V. L 
Pruyn, Albany. 



No. II. DAVID DAVIDSE SCHUYLER. I77 

1706-1707. 

(Continued from No. lo.) 
1706. 



David Davidse Sclniyler is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeed- 
ing" Johannes Schuyler, having been appointed by Lord Corn- 
bury (Edward Hyde) Governor of the Province of New York. 

Fire department, known as fyre-masters, ordered to examine 
chimneys each fortnight, the owners of unclean ones to be fined 
three shillings, Dec. 7. 

Dutch Reformed church of Albany celebrates its semi-centennial 
of locating at Market street (Broadway) and Yonkers (State) 
street. 



1707. 



Charter privilege, giving right to purchase five hundred acres of 
land at " Schaihtecogue " of the Indians, taken advantage of, 
and land purchased consists of a tract on east bank of Hudson 
river, above Half-Moon, running on the south to lands of 
Barent Albertse Bratt and Egbert Teunise, northward two 
miles from Schagticoke creek, extending at the north line 
twelve miles to the east, and on the southern line fourteen miles 
eastward, for which payment is made as follows : " Two 
blankets, 12 duffel-cloth coats, 20 shirts, 2 gunns, 12 pounds 
of powder, 36 pounds of lead, 8 gallons of rum, 2 casks of 
beer, 2 rolls of tobacco, 10 gallons of Madeira wine and a 
number of pipes," and the Indian proprietors " to receive an- 
nually for ten years in the month of October, i blanket, i shirt, 
I pair of stockings, i lap or apron, i keg of rum, 3 pounds of 
powder, 6 pounds of lead, and 12 pounds of tobacco," and 
twelve acres of the tract to be fenced at city's expense to be 
set apart for use of the Indians selling the land, Feb. 28. 

Lord Cornbury, nearing the end of his term as Governor of New 
York Province, becomes very unpopular by such acts as prose- 
cuting two Presbyterian ministers for preaching without 
licenses, and insisting that no one shall preach or teach without 
obtaining his consent, and his ignoble character and habits, 
sordid and avaricious in his dealings, culminate in the eyes of 
the colonists when they behold him dressed in public like a 



178 DAVID DAVIDSE SCHUYLER. No. II. 

1707. 

woman, in which sort of costume his portraits show him, which 
pecuHarity calls forth this passage in a letter from Lewis 
Morris to the secretary of state in arraigning him for bribery 
and corruption as Governor of New Jersey (holding similar 
office in New York at the time), which reads: "I must say 
something of him (Cornbury), which perhaps nobody else will 
think it worth the while to tell. He dresses publicly in 
woman's clothes every day, and puts a stop to all pviblic busi- 
ness while he is pleasing himself with that peculiar but detest- 
able magot." 
Evert Bancker commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Lord Corn- 
bury, September. 



(See No. 3.) 



No. 12. 



, 1710 , 1719. 



No. 12. 
ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. 

Date of office: 1710-1719. 

Appointed by: Governor Robert Hunter. 

Date of birth: About 1663. 

Place of birth: Scotland. 

Parents: James (L.). 

Education: Good schooling. 

Married to: Margarita Schuyler (dau. of ist Mayor). 

Date: August 26, 1697. 

Children: (6-4 s. 2 d) James, Pieter, Johannus, Thomas, Angelica 
(\'an Rensselaer), Janet (Beekman). 

Residoice: Northwest corner State and North Pearl streets. 

Occupation: Merchant of wealth. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed (or Presbyterian). 

Date of death: April 20, 1725. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: In Dutch Church, on April 21. 

Title: Commissioner. 

Remarks: Came to America in 1687, aged about 16 years. ]\1 em- 
ber 14th and 15th Assemblies, 1711-15. Indian Commis- 
sioner, 1715-20. Secretary of City, 1721. Delegated by 
Governor to visit Canada. Negotiated with Six Nations. 




12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, Jun. 
1710-1719. 
From a photograph made by Austin Engraving Co., from an engraving 
owned in 1904 by The Albany Institute. 



No. 12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. iSl 

1710. 



(Continued from No. 2.) 
17 10. 

Robert Livingston, Jun., sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding 
Johannes Abeel, having been appointed such by Governor 
Robert Hunter, September. 

Population of Albany county about 3,000. 

Gov. Robert Hunter seeks a place for the exiled Palatines who had 
come over from England, they having previously been driven 
there from Germany, by persecutions, but found no work in 
that country, and he buys of Robert Livingston 6,000 acres near 
Claverack, paying 400 English pounds, settling a portion of 
the exiles there and others on the west bank of the Hudson, 
contracting also with Livingston to furnish them with " bread 
and beer " for six months. 

Rev. Thomas Barclay, the chaplain of Fort Anne, who had been 
sent to Albany in 1708, writes to the secretary of the Society 
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts : " A great 
many Dutch children, who at my first arrival were altogether 
ignorant of the English tongue, can distinctly say our cate- 
chism, and make the responses at prayers. * * * j ^^-^ 
sorry to tell you, sir, that I am afraid the missionaries that are 
coming over, will find hard work of it, and if the commander 
of that fort be not a person of singular piety and virtue, all 
their endeavours will be ineffectual ; these, here, that trade with 
them, are loath that any religion (should) get any footing 
among them ; besides, these savages are so given to drinking 
of that nasty liquor, rum, that they are lost to all that is good. 
I must tell you that the Masque (Mohawks) of whom one of 
the four that were lately in England was a Sachem, have not 
above fifty men. All the five nations cannot make two thou- 
sand, and of these, in number, the Senekas are near one thou- 
sand, and most of them are in the French interest. Hendrick, 
the great prince that was so honoured in England, cannot com- 
mand ten men ; the other three were not Sachems. How far 
her majesty and the society have been imposed upon, I leave 
it to you to judge. I beg leave to tell you, that the missionaries 
that are sent over must have an honourable allowance and large 
presents to give, otherwise they will have but few proselytes ; 
and great care must be taken that they be well used, otherwise 
their mission will prove ineffectual as Mr. Moor's." Sept. 26. 



l82 ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. No. 12. 

1710-1711. 

Lansings ( V'isscher, later Pemberton) house erected at the north- 
east corner of North Pearl and Columbia streets, October. 

Seven of the nine magistrates .serving had been (or were to be) 
mayors of the city, October. 

Rev. Thomas Barclay preaches once a month at Schenectady to the 
garrison of 40 soldiers, the sixteen English and about one hun- 
dred Dutch families, November. 

After the reduction of Port Royal, Canada, in which expedition 
Philip Livingston, the 2nd proprietor of Livingston Manor (son 
of Robert Livingston, and husband of Catharine Van Brugh, 
of Anneke Jans' family) took part, he started in October on a 
journey by foot to Quebec to bear despatches, and living for 
over a week on berries and leaves, does not reach there until 
the winter snow, Dec. 16. 



1711. 



Lieut. John Collins, commanding 30 soldiers of Captain Henry 
Plolland's English garrison at Albany, quells the riot among 
the exiled Palatines who had settled at Livingston Manor and 
had become obstreperous at not earning a livelihood on their 
farms, January. 

Johannes Abeel, formerly the 2nd Mayor of Albany, dies, Jan. 28. 

Gov. Hunter learns that there are two French officers and 30 men 
building a fort at Onondaga, Apr. 25. 

(_"ol. Pieter Schuyler receives a commission from Gov. Hunter to go 
at once and see the Onondaga Indians as to the reason they 
permit the French to build a fort and a Catholic church in their 
midst, which latter construction would indicate a leaning to- 
ward the French, Apr. 30. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler starts for Onondaga, accompanied by Captains 
Roseboom and Bleecker. Nicholas Schuyler (his nephew, aged 
19 years), four men, nine Indians and Interpreter Van Eps, 

May I. 

Col. Pieter .Schuyler arrives at the Oneida castle of the Indians, 
where three sachems and several warriors join his party, and 
he learns that the French had made a present of ammunition to 
the value of about $3,000, and when the French officer in charge 
there heard that he was coming he had ceased work upon the 
fort, and hurried to the lake where were the canoes of his 
party, May 6. 




LANSING HOUSE. 

It was erected in 1710 outside the stockade, at n. e. cor. No. 
Pearl and Columbia sts., and was taken down in 1886 for A. 
Business College. Indians lodged therein while coming to trade. 
Also occupied by widow Visscher, and last of all by Howard 
Pemberton. 



No. 12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, J UN. 1 83 

1711-1712. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler arrives at Onondaga and is cordially received. 
He discovers a blockhouse 30 feet long, with loopholes, in 
process of construction, May 7. 

Sachems of the Five Nations convene and say that they had heard 
the English were to drive them out of their lands ; but Pieter 
Schuyler overthrows the idea, and they accede to his request to 
destroy the new French fort, May 8. 

Pieter Schuyler and his party arrive back at Albany, after a journey 
that might have resulted in his death had the French, greater in 
number, turned the Onondagas against him ; but he had suc- 
ceeded so well that everyone in the province of New York 
spoke highly of his courage and sagacity. May 15. 

Col. Pieter Schuyler's verbal request to Queen Anne, on his visit 
in fore part of 1710, heeded, and she orders 5,000 troops sent 
from England and Flanders to the provinces to subdue Canada, 

Fleet of 12 men-of-war and 46 small vessels sail from Boston for 
the St. Lawrence river, and 2,000 men, reinforced by 800 
Indians, assemble at Albany, July 30. 

Lieut. -Gov. Nicholson moves with his forces towards Lake Cham- 
plain, August. 

The fleet, which was counted upon to co-operate, is driven upon 
rocks of the St. Lawrence river in a fog, and eight trans- 
ports, with 800 men, are lost, resulting in the commander 
ordering departure of remainder for England, Sept. 11. 

News of the disaster is sent to Lieut.-Gov. Nicholson at Fort 
George, and he returns to Albany, September. 

Charter election. Common Council : David Schuyler, Harmanus 
Wendell, L Gerrit Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler. IL Wessell 
tenBroeck, Hendrick Hansen, HL Election, Oct. 14; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1712. 



Queen Anne of England presents silver communion service to the 
English church at Albany, St. Peter's, January. 

Dominie Dellius succeeded by Rev. Petrus A'an Driessen as pastor 
of the Reformed Dutch church. 

Public well constructed on Market street (Broadway) north of 
Yonkers (State) street, July. 

Gov. Robert Hunter having used his private fortune and credit to 
keep up the colonial militia because the several Assemblies had 
refused appropriations through poverty of the Province, and 



I 

184 ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. No. 12. 

1712-1714. 

the Crown allowing his drafts to be protested, as well as spend- 
ing his money in support of the exiled Palatines at Hudson, is 
gladdened by the order to cease all military expeditions, Oct. i8. 
Charter election. Common Council : David Schuyler, Harmanus 
Wendell, I. Abraham Cuyler, John Visher, II. Hendrick 
Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1713. 



Ordinance to prohibit coasting on streets in winter, January. 

England and Erance conclude peace by treaty of Utrecht, and latter 
nation agrees not to molest the Five Nations as being subjects 
of Great Britain. March 31. 

Robert Barret appointed city bell-man with yearly salary of 21 
pounds, 60 loads of wood and 2 candles each night, Oct. 31, 
It being decided by the Common Council as "very necessary 
and convenient " that a bell-man shall hourly patrol the city 
streets from 10 o'clock at night until 4 o'clock in the morning, 
to cry out the hours and the condition of the weather, Oct. 31. 

Charter election. Common Council : David Schuyler, Harmanus 
Wendell, I. Abraham Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II. Hen- 
drick Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1714. 



Population of Albany county 3,029, of which number 458 are 
slaves, January. 

Population of the city's three wards 1.136, of which number 495 are 
white males, 528 are white females. 47 male slaves, 66 female 
slaves, January. 

St. Peter's church (first edifice) granted license to build by Gov. 
Robert Hunter, May 31. 

Gov. Robert 1 lunter heeds petition of officers of Reformed Dutch 
church to be allowed to rei)lace former edifice because of its 
wretched condition, and approves new building, June 18. 

Mohawk Indians deed a tract of 2,odo acres on the north side of 
the Maquaas (Mohawk) river, on the site of the ancient Indian 
village of Caughnawaga (nearby the site of Fonda, N. Y.) to 




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No. 12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, J UN. 1 85 

1714-1715. 

Lieut. John Collins of the English garrison at Albany, to his 
wife, Margaret Schuyler, and their son Edward, being partic- 
ularly pleased by the many kindnesses of Mrs. Collins, July lo. 

Barent Pieterse Coeymans secures letters patent for land (Coey- 
mans, N. Y.) from Queen Anne, Aug. 6. 

Centennial of Hendrick Corstiaensen's occupation of Castle (Van 
Rensselaer) island, as Fort Nassau, September. 

Charter election. Common Council : Harmanus Wendell, Goose van 
Schaick, I. Johannis Roseboom. Abraham Cuyler, II. Hen- 
drick Hansen, Wessell teuBroeck, III. Electiou, Sept. 29: 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

St. Peter's church granted land east of Fort Frederick at the head of 
Yonkers (State) street, in centre of said street (east of site 
of 3rd edifice) 90x60 feet, Oct. 21. 

St. Peter's church erection opposed by the city at Council meeting 
called to question the right of the crown (Queen Anne) to 
convev land owned bv municipalitv and enjoins the workmen, 

Nov. 8. 

Common Council releases lot to Reformed Dutch church's officers, 

December. 



1715. 



Reformed Dutch church ( its 3rd edifice ) being constructed of stone 
built about its second edifice of brick, at Market (Broadway) 
and Yonker ( State) street, described then as to location : " The 
Dutch Church Scituate. lying, and being in the said City of 
Albany, in the high street otherwise called the yonkers street 
nigh the bridge (over the Rutten kill). Containing in length 
on the South side seaven Rodd three foot four inches, on the 
North Side seaven Rood three foot one Inch Rynland measure, 
in breadth on the East and West Side Sixty-one foot and five 
Inches, wood measure." 

St. Peter's church construction stopped by city corporation by filing 
remonstrance against encroachment on rights of the city, writ- 
ing to the governor: " It seems to us, on their side, either as 
an encroachment on ye rights of ye sd city or a disregard to 
ye Comonalty, however to shew that we are not against that 
pious design but reather to promite we have offered them a 
more conveinent lott, and are still willing to grant the same 
altho' they have refused to accept it," March 3. 



l86 ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. No. 12. 

1715-1716. 

The governor does not abrogate the rights of St. Peter's church to 
build at the site assigned previously and the Common Council 
resolves to prosecute Rev. Thomas Barclay, Col. Peter Mat- 
thews and John Dunbar for encroaching upon city land. The 
men are enjoined, persist and are arrested ; they secure bail 
and continue to work on foundation, April 8. 

Common Council sends an express messenger by canoe to see the 
governor at New York to jirevent further work on St. Peter's 
church ; but Governor Hunter does not abrogate his permit to 
build, May. 

Public wells constructed in each of the three wards, June. 

Following a survey of Robert Livingston's Manor (Claverack) 
near site of Hudson, N. Y., made in 1714, which showed his 
tract contained 160,240 acres (Judge Smith in his History of 
New York placing it at 300,000 acres) he is given a confirma- 
tory patent under Gov. Hunter to provide against the bound- 
aries being improperly stated in the Mohegan Indians' deed of 
July 12, 1683, and it is ])assed and sealed, Oct. i. 

Charter election, Common Council : David Schuyler, Goose van 
Schaick, 1. Johannis Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, H. Hen- 
drick Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, HI. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Reformed Dutch church discontinues services for two weeks wdiile 
removing the wooden structure within new edifice, October. 

Reformed Dutch church holds its first service in its new (the third) 
edifice, Oct. 30. 

Reformed Dutch church Market (Broadway) and Yonkers (State) 
street, consecrated, Nov. 13. 



17 16. 



Philip Livingston (Signer of Declaration) born at northwest corner 
of State and Pearl streets, Jan. 15. 

St. Peter's church being built in middle of Yonkers ( State) street. 
Charter election. Common Council : Goose van Schaick, Johannis 
Schuyler, T. Johannis Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, H. Hen- 
drick Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, HL Election, Sept, 29; 
sworn in, " ' Oct. 14. 




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No. 12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. 187 

1717-1718. 



1717. 



Act annexing Manor of Livingston to Albany county, May 27. 

Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck, who had been Albany's fourth Mayor, 
dies at Clermont, N. Y., on his estate known as " Bouwerie," 

Sept. 18. 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, Goose van 
Schaick, I. Johannis Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, 11. Hen- 
drick Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Hendrick \ an Rensselaer and Robert Livingston engaged in a 
legal controversy respecting the north boundary line of the 
latter's Claverack land patent (site of Hudson, N. Y.) Van 
Rensselaer owner of the northern area, they agree on an inden- 
ture that Van Rensselaer's south line at its river end be the 
starting point, then " east by south in a straight line 24 English 
miles, as far as it goes," Oct. 30. 

St. Peter's church, the first English church west of the Hudson 
river, the building 43 x 58 feet, opened by its rector. Rev. 
Thomas Barclay, the location being at about the centre of State 
street, where Barrack (Chapel) street would cross it, Nov. 25. 

The beaver-skins exported from the colony of New York during 
the year were calculated at a value of $53,520.00, December. 



1718. 



St. Peter's " Church Book," being its written records, started, 

Apr. 15. 

Robert Livingston elected speaker of the Assembly, May. 

Charter election, Common Council : Myndert Schuyler, Goose van 
Schaick, L Johannis Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, H. Hen- 
drick Hansen, Johannis Pruyn, HL Election, Sept. 29; sworn 
in, Oct. 14. 

Few leases existing at Albany or anywhere near excepting those 
held by the Patroon of Van Rensselaer Manor, December. 



l88 ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. No. 12. 

1719. 



1719. 

Pieter Schuyler begins administration of Province of New York, 

July 21. 

Myndert Schuyler is conmiissioned the Mayor of Albany by Pieter 
Schuyler as President of the Province of New York. 

Charter election. Common Council : Myndert Schuyler, Goose van 
Schaick. I. John Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, II. Johannis 
.Pruyn, Hendrick Hansen, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 
• • • 

(See No. 13.) 




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No. 13. 



. 1719 — Nov. 8, 1720. 
, 1723 — Oct. 13, 1725. 



No. 13. 
MYNDERT SCHUYLER. 

Date of office: (a) 1719-November 8, 1720. 
(b) 1723-October 13, 1725. 

Appointed by: (a) President Pieter Schuyler, 
(b) Governor William Burnet. 

Date of birth: January 16, 1672. 

Place of birth: "The Flatts." 

Parents: David Pieterse (S.) and Catalyn Verplanck. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Raj el Cuyler. 

Date: New Amsterdam, October 26, 1693. 

Children: (2) Raj el, Anna (b. 1697, m. Johannes De Peyster, i6th 
Mayor) . 

Residence: South side Yonkers (State) street, 3rd east from South 
Pearl street. 

Occupation: Merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: October 10, 1755. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: Dutch Church, on October 21. 

Title: Lieutenant-Colonel. 

Remarks: Member of Assembly, October 20, 1702-10; 1713-15; 
1724; 1728-37. Church Master, 1706. Indian Commis- 
sioner, 1706-20; 1728-46. Captain of militia, 1710. Alder- 
man, first ward, 1718-19. Colonel before 1754. Deacon. 
Bought land on Norman's Kil and Huntersfield (Schoharie) 
Patent. 



No. 13. MYNDERT SCHUYLER. I9I 

1719-1723. 

(Continued from No. 12.) 
1719. 



Myndert Schuyler is sworn as the Mayor of Albany to succeed 
Robert Livingston, Jun., having been commissioned by Hon. 
Pieter Schuyler, President of the Colony of New York. 

Governor Robert Hunter returns to England. 

Beaver-skins valued at $37,435 exported in 1719. 



1720. 



Irish hrst recorded in Albany, May. 

Dutch Reformed church incorporated, Aug. 10. 

William Burnet begins administration of Province of New York as 
governor, Sept. 17. 

Charter election. Common Council : Harmanus Wendell, Goose van 
Schaick, I. Plendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, H. Hen- 
drick Plansen, Johannis Pruyn, HI. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn 
in, Oct. 14. 

Pieter Van Brugh (or Verbrugge) is commissioned to be Mayor of 
Albany by Governor William Burnet, Nov. 9, 

• • • 
(See No. 6.) 



(Continued from No. 6.) 
1723. 



Population of the colony of New York 40,564, January. 

Population of Albany county 6,501 ; consisting of 1,512 men, 1,408 
women, 2,'jy'i^ children, 808 slaves, January. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis 
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, H. Johan- 
nis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, HI. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



192 MYNDERT SCHUYLER. No. I3. 



1723-1725. 



Gov. William Burnet recommends building of small houses without 
the stockade for Indians who should come to trade, which is 
done, and city pays the cost, ' December. 



1724. 



Col. Pieter Schuyler who had been Albany's first Mayor, serving 
eight years, and the most influential military man of the entire 
colony of New York in prosecuting Indian wars and wars 
with the French, yet most friendly with most of the tribes who 
styled him " Quidor," or " the Indians' friend," beloved of the 
Iroquois and feared by the French of Canada, born (the son of 
Philip Pieterse) on Sept. 17, 1657. and married first to Engeltie 
(Angelica) Van Schaick about 1681, and secondly to Maria 
Van Rensselaer, daughter of Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, manag- 
ing Director of Rensselaerwyck, on Sept. 14, 1691, dies 

Feb. 19. 

Captain Pietrus Douw (the father of the 25th Mayor, V^olckert 
Pietrus Douw) the only surviving son of Jonas Douw and a 
member of the 27th Council of the Province of New York 
(his wife being Anna Van Rensselaer, born at the Crailo at 
Greenbush, daughter of Hendrick Van Rensselaer who built it 
about 1642) erects for himself and family a manorial home 
at Douw's Point, opposite the southern end of Albany, naming 
it Wolven Hoeck, because of the packs of wolves frequenting 
the locality, 

Hendrick Hansen, who had been the 5th Mayor of Albany, dies, 

February. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis 
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom. Barent Sanders, II. Johan- 
nis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1725. 



Robert Livingston, Jun., born about 1663 in Scotland, son of James 
Livingston, who had been the 12th Mayor of Albany and a man 
of great importance in the settlement of the colony and dealing 
with the Indians, dies .A.pril 20. 




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No. 13. MYNDERT SCHUYLER I93 

1725. 

Capt. Henry Holland, commander of the English garrison at this 
city, and Capt. Lancaster Synies, wardens of St. Peter's church, 
write a request for a rector to be sent from England to officiate 
as successor to Rev. Thomas Barclay, who is incapacitated, 

June 24. 
Johannes Cuyler commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Governor 
William Burnet, September. 

• • • 

(See No. 14.) 



No. 14. 



Oct. 14, 1725 — Nov. 7. 1726. 



No. 14. 
JOHANNES CUYLER. 

Date of office: October 14, 1725-November 7, 1726. 

Appointed by: Governor William Burnet. 

Date of birth: 1661. 

Parents: Hendrick (C.) and Anna Schepmoes, 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Elsje Ten Broeck (.dan. of 4th Mayor). 

Date: November 2, 1684. 

Children: (12-3 s. 9 d.) Anna (b. 1685, m. Anthony Van Schaick), 
Christina (1687, d. y.), Christina (.1689-1755), Hendrik 
(1692), Sara (b. 1693, m. Hans Hansen, 17th Mayor), Elsje 
(b. 1695, m. Hendrick Roseboom), Cornells (20th Mayor, b. 
1697, m. Catalyntje Schuyler, dau. of 19th Mayor), Johannes 
A. (b. 1699, m. Catherine Wendell), Maria (b. 1702, m. Cor- 
nells Ten Broeck), Elizabeth (b. 1705, m. Jacob Sanderse 
Glen), Rachel (1707, d. y.)., Rachel (November, 1709). 

Residence: East side North Pearl street, 2d south of Steuben street, 
to Yaugh (James) street. 

Occupation: Trader. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: July 20, 1740. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: In Dutch Church. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Alderman. Deacon in Dutch Church, 1695 and 1700. 
Elder in Dutch Church. Admitted freeman of New York 
city, 1696. Commissioner of Indian Afifairs, 1706. 



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No. 14. JOHANNES CUYLER 197 

1725- 1726. 



Continuetl from Xo. 13.) 
1725. 



Johannes Cuyler is sworn as the Mayor of Alhany to succeed Myn- 
dert Schuyler, having been commissioned by Gov. Wilham 
Burnet, Oct. 14. 

Vanderheyden " l^alace "" built on the west side of North Pearl 
street, between IMaiden Lane and State street, by J. J. 
Beeckman. ( )ctober. 

Charter election. Common Council: Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis 
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Johan- 
nis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1726. 



Fyre-masters when found neglectful ordered by the Common 
Council to be fined 30 shillings. 

By reason of the continued illness and incapacity of Rev. Thomas 
Barclay to officiate at St. Peter's church, a letter is sent to 
England, requesting that a missionary be sent over for Albany, 
pointing out that he should speak English plainly, as " Mr. 
Barclay spoke so broad Scotch that it was difficult to under- 
stand him," June 24. 

Bishop of London selects Rev. John Milne to be the missionary at 
Albany, with headquarters as rector of St. Peter's church, 
also serving among the Indians within forty miles around. 

Rutger Bleecker commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Governor 
William Burnet, September. 

Charter election. Common Council : Hermanus Wendell, Johannis 
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Dirck 
tenBroeck, Peter Winne. III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 
• • • 

(See No. 15.) 



No. 15. 



Nov. 8. 1726 — Nov. lO. 1729, 



No. 15. 
RUTGER BLEECKER. 

Date of office: November 8, 1726-November 10, 1729. 

Appointed by: Governor William Burnet. 

Date of birth: May 13, 1675. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Jan Jansen (B.), 7th !\Iayor, and Margareit Rutse Jacob- 
sen Van Schoenderwoert. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Catlyna (or Catalina) Schuyler (widow of 2d Mayor). 

Date: May 26, 171 2. 

Children: (4-3 s. i d.) Johannes (b. 1713, m. Elizabeth Staats), 
Margarita (b. 1714, m. Edward Collins), Jacobus (1716), 
Myndert (1720). 

Residence: Northwest corner North Pearl and Steuben streets. 

Occupation: Merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: August 4, 1756. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: Dutch Church, on August 5th. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Recorder. 1725. Brother of Mayor Johannes Bleecker, 
Eirst presided at Council meeting, November 8, 1726. 




15. RUTGER BLEECKER. 
1 7-6-1729. 
Fi'diii a small water-color portrait owned by Morris S. 
J.'Iiller of Utica in 1892. 



No. 15. RUTGER BLEECKER. 20I 



1726-1728. 



(Continued from No. 14.) 
1726. 



Rutger Bleecker sworn as the Mayor of Albany to succeed Johannes 
Cuyler, having been commissioned by Governor WiUiam 
Burnet, Nov. 8. 



1727. 



Laws are passed regulating the sale of intoxicants of any nature to 
the Indians when coming into the city to barter, who on return- 
ing to their tribes, either lead others in evil ways or antagonize 
the desirable friendly relations that are so essential between 
whites and redskins residing at such close quarters. 

Discussion as to whether the city can afford the purchase across the 
water of " an Enguin or Water Spuyt " to put out fires. 

Charter election, Common Council : Harmanus Wendell, Ryer Gar- 
retse, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, TI. Dirck ten 
Broeck, Peter Winne. III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1728. 



John Montgomerie begins his administration of the Province of 
New York, Apr. 15. 

Rev. John Milne succeeds Rev. Thomas Barclay as the Rector of 
St. Peter's Church. 

John Collins, who was lieutenant in Capt. Henry Holland's company 
of the English garrison stationed at the fort here and who 
stood high in the social life of the city, standing godfather for 
two of Patroon Van Rensselaer's children, and having Lord 
Cornbury and Colonel Ingoldsby ( two of New York's Colonial 
Governors) sponsors for his, admitted a practicing attorney 
and a Commissioner of Indian Affairs from 1720 to 1728, dies 
at His Majesty's Garrison of Schenectady, where he was in 
command, Apr. 13. 

Charter election. Common Council : Ryer Gerretse, Edward Hol- 
land, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, IT. Peter 
Winne, Jacob Visger, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



202 RUTGER BLEECKER. No. 1 5. 

1729. 



1729. 

Rev. John Milne of St. Peter's Church receiving a stipend of 50 
EngHsh pounds yearly, reports at end of his first year that the 
number of " constant Hearers is at Jeast a Hundred, the 
number of communicants at Easter last 29." 

St. Peter's Church pulpit and a special seat (probably a canopied 
one with the usual curtains) built for the Governor of the 
Province at a cost of 12 Eng. pounds, 2 sh. yd. 

Johannes De Peyster commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gov- 
ernor John Montgomerie, September. 

Charter election. Common Council : Ryer Gerritse. Tobias Ryck- 
man. I. Cornelis Cuyler. Jacob Beeckman, H. Samuel C. 
Pruyn, JacoJj Lansingh, TTT. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 

• • • 

(See No. 16.) 



No. 16. 



Snljamtrs ®^ piaster. 



Nov. 11, 1729— Oct. 13, 1731. 

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Oct. 23, 1732 — Oct. 23, 1733. 

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Nov. 23, 1741 — Oct. 13, 1742. 



No. i6. 
JOHANNES DE PEYSTER. 

Date of oificc: (a) November ii, 1729-October 13, 1731. 

(b) October 23, 1732-October 23, 1733. 

(c) November 23, 1741-October 13, 1742. 
Date of appointment: (a) 

(b) 

(c) November 14, 1741, under commission 
of King George II. 
Appointed by: (a) Governor John Montgomerie. 

(b) Governor (Col.) William Cosby. 

(c) Lieutenant-Governor George Clarke. 
Date of birth: January 10, 1694. 

Place of birth: New Amsterdam. 

Parents: Johannes (De P.) and Anna Bancker. 

Education: Good schooling. 

Married to: Anna Schuyler (dau. of 13th Mayor). 

Date: Albany, November 24, 1715. 

Children: (4-2 s. 2 d.) Anna (b. 1723, m. V. P. Douw, 25th 
Mayor), Ragel (b. 1728, m. Tobias Ten Eyck), Myndert 
Schuyler (b. 1734, d. y.), Myndert Schuyler (1739-45). 

Residence: Yonkers (State) street. 

Occupation: Political positions. Merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: February 27, 1789. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: North of his pew, Dutch Church. 

Title: Captain. 

Remarks: Son of Mayor J. De P. of New York. Born of Hugue- 
not parentage. Honorable, progressive, generally beloved. 
Recorder, 1716-28. Lieutenant of foot, 1717. Indian Com- 
missioner, 1734, 1738, 1739, 1742, 1746. Member of Pro- 
vincial Assembly, 1744. Captain of horse, 1744. Inspector 
of ordnance, 1754. First Surrogate of Albany county, April 
3, 1756-82. Paymaster New York forces, 1775. Inspector 
for the carrying on first expedition against Crown Point. 




i6. JOHANNES DE PEYSTER. 
1729-31 ; i73^-33\ 1741-4^- 
From an oil painting made in 1718, owned in 1904 by his great-great-grand- 
son, Charles Gibbons Douw, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 



No. l6. JOHANNES DE PEYSTER. 205 

1729- 1731. 

(Continued from No. 15.) 
1729. 



Johannes De Peyster sworn as the Mayor of Albany, to succeed 
Rntger Bleecker, having been commissioned such by Governor 
John Montgomerie, Nov. 11. 



1730. 



Centennial of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer's colonization. 

Van Rensselaer Manor bronze cannon, used to defend the Manor 
and probably first fired from Castle island (below the city), 
size 3 ft., 5 in. long, with 3^^ in. bore, made in Amsterdam one 
hundred years ago. 

Common Council resolves that to make good the city's title to a tract 
of land known as Tionondorogue, granted to it by the Charter, 
Mayor Ue Peyster, Recorder Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck, 
Aldermen Ryer Gerritse, Jacob Lansing and Cornelis Cuyler, 
and Ass't Alderman John Visscher, Jun., go to the Mohawks 
and agree on purchase of the tract located along the Schoharie 
creek, Oct. 10. 

The Mohawks sign a deed of land for the " flatts on both sides of 
Tionondoroges (Schoharie) creek," Oct. 12. 

Charter election, Common Council : Ryer Gerritse, Tobias Ryck- 
man, I. Cornelius Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II. Samuel 
Pruyn, Jacob Lansingh, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 

Fire-hooks and ladders ordered by the Common Council to be made 
and kept in convenient places, Nov. 24. 

Mrs. Hendrick Van Rensselaer dies at her residence, Fort Crailo, 
on the shore of the river at Green Bush (Rensselaer), being 
the wife of the original owner of the large tract that included 
the site of the villages opposite Albany, Dec. 6. 



1731. 



Population of the Colony of New York 50,824, January. 

Population of Albany county 8,573, January. 

Slaves in Albany county number 1,222, January. 



206 TOHANNES DE PEYSTER. No. l6. 



1731-1732. 



St. Peter's Church damaged by a fire, March i. 

Among' the charges to repair damages caused by fire to St. Peter's 

is the item " a pint and a half of rum, i s, 6 d., March 15. 

Common Council permits erection of market-houses in ist and 2nd 

wards, June. 

Rip A an Dam begins administration of Province of New York as 

president, July i. 

Johannes ("Plans") Hansen commissioned the Mayor of Albany 

by Rip A"an Dam, President of the Province of New York, 

Oct. 14. 
Charter election. Common Council : Ryer Gerritse, Tobias Ryck- 

man I. Cornelius Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, Jun., II. Samuel 

Pruyn. Jacob Lansingh. III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



(See No. 17.) 

Continued from No. 17.) 
1732. 



Johannes De I'eyster sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding 
Johannes ( " Hans ") Hansen, having been commissioned such 
by Governor William Cosby. 

Charter election. Common Council : Ryer Gerritse, Edward Hol- 
land, I. Cornelius Cuyler, Johannis E. Wendell, II. Isaac 
Fonda, Gose van Schayck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 

Jan Jansen lUeecker, who was born at Mcppel, (^veryssel, Holland, 
on July 9, 1641, the son of Jan lUeecker, arriving at Albany in 
1658. Captain of militia, city recorder, justice of peace, city 
chamberlain, Indian commissioner, member of Provincial As- 
sembly and the 7th Mavor of Albanv, dies, Nov. 21. 

The engine " to sjMtut water " liaving arrived from Richard New- 
sliam, its maker in London, and having been placed in a house 
in the central part of the city, it is announced by the Common 
Council that in case of a fire the key might be obtained at the 
home of Henry Cuyler, living nearby. 




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No, l6. JOHANNES IMC I'KYSTHR. 207 

1733, 1741-1742. 



1733. 

Centciiiii;il of the lirsl Imi^HsIi vessel, The William, coniin^^ up the 

Hudson river. 
Centennial of aj^ents of the Dutch h'.asl India f'()ni])any landint,'- 

settlers at Alhany's site, 
Charter election, Coniniou Council: Rycr (ierrilsc. Ik-ndrick Kos- 

ter, I. Cornelis Cuyler, Johannis E. Wendell, II. Goose V. 

Schaick, Isaac Fonda. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 
Edward Holland coinniissioned tlu- Mayfjr of Albany by Gov. 

William Cosby, Oct. 15. 

• • • 

(See No. 18.) 



(Continued from No. 19.) 
1741. 



joliaunes JJe I'eyster sworn as the Mayor of /Mbany a third time, 
succeeding John .Schuyler, Jun., havin;^ been commissioned by 
Lieut. -Governor Geort^e Clarke, Nov. 23. 

Charter election, Common Council: Johannis Marselis, 1 lendrick 
Cuyler, 1. Johannis Roscboom, Jun., Jacf)b Ten l^yck, 11. 
Gerret C. Van den l>erf^h, Gerret Lansin^h, III. ]£lection, 
.Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1742. 



Ereehoklers number 204 in the city, January. 

Centennial of the buiUlin^' of Fort Crailo on the cast bank of the 

river, opposite the lower end of Albany, by Hendrick Van 

Rensselaer^ 
Aldermen again claim the sole ri,nht to use the city's j^'reat seal, con- 

taininj.^ the capital letters "A L li ", and the jjcrfjuisitc'S that 

accompany its service, instead of the Mayor. 



208 JOHANNES DE PEYSTER. No. 1 6. 

1742. 

Volckert Pietrus Doiuv ( later to be the 25th Mayor ) marries Anna 
De Peyster, daughter of Captain Johannes De Peyster, present 
Mayor of Albany and granddaughter of Col. Myndert Schuyler, 
who had been the 13th Mayor, May 20. 

Stephen Van Rensselaer, the second of the name (and later the 7th 
Patroon) son of Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer, baptised, 

June 2. 

Cornells Cuyler commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Lieut. - 
Governor George Clarke, 

Charter election. Common Council : Hendrick Cuyler, Johannis 

Marselis, I. John Roseboom, Jun., Jacob Ten Eyck, IT. Gerret 

C. Van den Bergh, Gerret Lansingh, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; 

sworn in, Oct. 14. 

• • • 

(See No. 20.) 



No. 17. 



Oct. 14, 1731 -Oct. 22, 1732. 

* * ■•■■ 
, 1754- , 1756. 



No. 17. 
JOHANNES ("HANS") HANSEN. 

Date of office: (a) October 14, 1731-October 22, 1732. 
(b) 1754-1756. 

Appointed by: (a) President Rip Van Dam. 

(b) Governor James De Lancey. 

Date of birth: Baptized June 20, 1695. 

Parents: Hendrick (H. — 5th Mayor) and Debora Van Dam. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Sara Cuyler (dau. of 14th Mayor). 

Date: April 25, 1723. 

Children: (9-6 s. 3 d.) Hendrick (1723), Elsje (1725), Johannes 
(1727), Johannes (1729), Debora ( 173 1), Johannes (b. 1732, 
m. Margarita Kip), Pieter (1735, d. y.), Pieter (b. 1737, m. 
Rachel Fonda). 

Occupation: Trader. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: December, 1756. 

Place of burial: On December 6th, in Dutch Church. 

Title: Honorable. 



No. 17. JOHANNES HANSEN. 21 1 



1731-1754. 



(Continued from No. i6.) 
1731. 



Johannes (" Hans ") Hansen sworn as the Mayor of Albany to suc- 
ceed Johannes De Peyster, having been commissioned by Rip 
Van Dam, President of the Province of New York. 

Appointment of firemasters Isaac Fryer and Egbert Egbertse in 
1st ward, Matheys van der Heyden and Frans Pruyn in 2nd 
ward, Wilhehnus van den Berg and Matheys de Garmo in 3rd 
ward. Nov. 6. 

Fire-engines authorized by Common Council to be purchased (hand- 
pumps on a small cart into which water was to be poured from 
buckets passed from well by citizens) by resolution " that an 
Enguin or Water Spuyt be sent for to England per the first 
oppertunity in the Spring," Dec. 22. 



1732. 



Fire-engine named the Richard Newsham (operated by hand) and 
40 feet of leather hose, ordered by the Common Council, and 
to be housed in a shed at the corner of Beaver and South 
Pearl streets, Feb. 22. 

St. Peter's Church vestry passes a resolution, " resolved by ye above 
written church wardens & vestry that ye minister shall receive 
for the marriage of any two of his congregation ye sum of 
twelve shills & ye dark for recording and bringing water for 
baptism one shillin & six pence," Apr. 10. 

William Cosby begins his administration of the Province of New 
York as its Governor, Aug. i. 

Johannes De Peyster commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gover- 
nor William Cosby, 

• • • 

(See No. 16.) 



(Continued from No. 23.) 
1754. 



Johannes ("Hans") Hansen sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc- 
ceeding Robert Sanders, having been commissioned by Gov. 
James DeLancey, 



212 JOHANNES HANSEN. No. I/. 

1754-1755. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis van Sante, A'olckert 
P. Douw, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Gerrit Marcelis, II. Johannis 
H. Ten Eyck, Abraham Douw, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn 
in, Oct. 14. 



1755. 



English crown assumes control of Indian affairs. 

Old seal (the first, with letters ALB.) ordered to be used by Com- 
mon Council to license carmen and tavern-keepers, and nothing 
else, and to be known as the '' publick seal of this city," 

May 3. 

Because of resumption of hostilities by the English and French, at- 
tempt is made to capture the forts at Niagara, erected to con- 
trol route between Canada and the Mississippi, and Maj.-Gen. 
William Shirley (governor of Massachusetts) makes Albany 
hi? rendezvous of his troops, then marching to Osw^ego, where 
he halts, leaves a garrison of 600 men and returns to Albany. 

Regiment of Col. Ephraim Williams encamped at Greenbush, 

June. 

Col. Ephraim Williams makes his will at Albany, and in it makes 
bequest for establishment of a school (Williams college, at 
Williamstown, Mass.), July 22. 

This year marked the great conflict between France and England, 
not alone across the water, but in New York, and the latter 
deeply concerned Albany as it was both the place whence men 
were sent to conduct the fight, but the objective point of the 
incursions of the large army of the French coming down from 
the north by the route of Lakes Champlain and George. The 
French sent Baron Ludwig August Dieskau with an army of 
size to Canada, which he was to lead south and capture Albany. 
Of four expeditions planned when the governors of five of the 
colonies met to consult. — to Nova Scotia, Niagara, Ohio valley, 
and to capture Crown Point (fifteen miles from the southern 
end of Lake Champlain, on its west side, held by the French), 
the latter task was designated as the work for Col. William 
Johnson. He sent wampum belts at once to all the Indian 
castles to indicate that he had been made Superintendent of 
Indian Affairs for all of British North America by General 
Braddock. Immediately, because of the esteem in which he was 
held by the Six Nations, 1,100 Indians gathered at Johnson 




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No. 17. JOHANNES HANSEN. 213 



1755. 



Hall, and he asked for one thousand picked men to help him 
take Crown Point. They agreed, and King Hendrick, although 
nearly eighty years old, was made their chief. There was 
jealousy when Massachusetts, claiming to have furnished more 
men than New York, demanded a leader selected from that 
colony instead of Tohnson,, and her governor, William Shirley, 
diverted many of ' King Hendrick's Iroquois to his expedition 
to expel the French from Niagara. Early in August, Colonel 
Lyman, commanding the Massachusetts troops, reached Fort 
Edward, known as the Great Carrying Place, for here every- 
thing in traveling camps had to be transferred by land for 15 
mile?, from the Hudson to the head of Lake George, and here 
he erected a fort which gave the name to the place, Fort Ed- 
ward, in honor of a brother of King George H. of England. 
Here Colonel Johnson with his forces, backed by King Hend- 
rick, who had young Joseph Brant with him (an Indian youth 
of n years, educated at Dartmouth) joined Colonel Lyman, 
^ ^ August. 

Colonel Johnson arrives at the head of Lake George (CaldweU) 
with 3,400 men, including between four and five hundred In- 
dians, and sets his men at work to construct Fort William 
Henry, named in honor of a brother of King George II. (The 
hotel of that name facing directly down the lake, was built on 
the site of the fort and the ditches of the fort were to be seen 
in the contour of the grove in 1906.) He desires a fortification 
to hold the situation until he may construct a fleet to convey 
his army north to Ticonderoga, August 28. 

Colonel Lyman proceeds from Fort Edward to join Colonel Johnson 
at Fort William Henry, bringing the heavy artiUery and leav- 
ing five companies and about 250 New Englanders to hold 
the place, ^ ^J^^f' 

Sir Charles Hardy succeeds James De Lancey as Governor of the 
Province of New York, ^^P^- ^■ 

Colonel William Johnson, residing about forty miles northwest ot 
Albanv at Mount Johnson, is placed in control of troops that 
are gathered to take Crown Point, and writes to Lords of 
Trade: "About 250 Indians have already joined me, and as 
small parties are evrv day dropping in, I expect, before I can 
be able to leave this place, to have 300 * * * Our Indians 
appear to be very sincere and zealous in our cause, and their 
young men can hardlv be withheld from going out a scalping. 
* * =^ I am building a Fort at this lake (Ft. William 
Henry) which the French call lake St. Sacrament, but I have 



214 JOHANNES HANSEN. No. I7: 



1755. 



given it the name of Lake George, not only in honour to His- 
Alajesty but to assertain his undoubted dominion here. I 
found it a mere wilderness, not one foot cleared. I have made 
a good waggon Road to it from Albany, distance about 70 
miles. We have cleared land enough to encamp 5000 Men. 
The Troops now under my command and the reinforcements 
on the way will amount to near that number," Sept. 3. 

Baron Dieskau schemed to thwart Johnson's plans by taking i,6oo- 
men, Indians, Canadians and French up Lake Champlain and 
then by land to Fort Edward so as to follow the capture of 
that place by an attack on Johnson's rear, after which success 
he would march southward to Albany. By mistake in calcu- 
lating distances in a densely wooded region east of Lake 
George, he found himself near Fort William Henry instead of 
Fort Edward. On his nearing there, Johnson had suspected 
his coming into the region and had immediately sent a courier 
to warn Fort Edward ; but Dieskau captured him and thereby 
learned of Johnson's plans. Johnson had wished to send out 
three detachments of 1,200 men each, to relieve Fort Edward, 
where he thought Dieskau would be, and not suffer the loss of 
all his army; but King Hendrick explained the weakness of 
such a move when, holding three sticks together he could not 
break, while taking one at a time he broke each and threw them 
all at Johnson's feet. (This anecdote of an important move in 
the state's history, which might have lost Albany to the French, 
was adopted and idealized in the monument erected just east 
of the site of Fort William Henry, on a knoll overlooking Lake 
George, Sept. 8, 1903.) Sept. 5. 

The relief forces start out from Fort William Henry for Fort Ed- 
ward in three detachments. Colonel Williams leading the ad- 
vance ; but after proceeding to the south of the fort about two 
miles, he halts to wait for the others, and all move on the march 
without scouts and entirely unsuspicious that Dieskau had en- 
circled the road at a place four miles south of the lake, where 
were hills and dense forests, with an ambuscade arrangement. 
Before all the English had entered the doomed circle a careless 
shot is fired which is taken as a signal by the French, and one of 
the bloodiest slaughters on record in New York begins, the In- 
dian forces on both sides lending a savage fury to the fracas. At 
the outset. Col. Ephriam Williams is killed, and the men fall 
back to a long, narrow pond, hemmed in by low, steep-banked 
hills. The English retreat with speed to Fort William Henry, 
and Dieskau's men do not have the courage to attack it, al- 




KING H END RICK. 

He was leader of the Iroquois allies of Col. Wm. Johnson, and 
although aged four-score, went up from here to Fort William Henry 
on Lake George, where he was killed fighting the French on Sept. 
8, 1755. He attended important pow-wows in this city. 



No. 17. JOHANNES HANSEN. 215 

1755. 



though a bloody fight is put up near there. General Dieskau 
being wounded in the leg (so that he had to be carried to 
Albany for careful treatment by his enemies) and Colonel John- 
son is wounded m the leg. The French being repulsed, start 
a retreat southward, when they are met at the same spot near 
the pond where they had started the day's fighting, by Captain 
McGinnis, he having had a small scouting party out with him 
since the early morning march began and had hurried back on 
hearing the noise of battle. He routs the French with a deter- 
mined onslaught, who flee through the forests, caring for neither 
their arms nor clothing. So many had been killed at these two 
encounters that graves could not be dug for them by the wearied 
troops, and hundreds of bleeding corpses had to be cast into 
the pond, whose waters were turned a deep crimson, giving to 
the pretty sheet of water the name of Bloody Pond. King 
Hendrick being among the slain, his Indian bands seek revenge 
upon the wounded Dieskau, held prisoner by the Americans ; 
but Col. William Johnson firmly interposes for his preservation, 

Sept. 8. 

General Johnson writes : " Our expedition is likely to be extremely 
distressed & I fear fatally retarded for the want of waggons. 
The People of the County of Albany & the Adjacent Counties 
hide their Waggons & drive away their Horses," Sept. i6. 

Gen. Philip Schuyler and Catherine Van Rensselaer, only daughter 
of Col. John Van Rensselaer of the Claverack Manor, and 
granddaughter of the original owner of the vast tract along 
the east side of the Hudson, after the first division of the Van 
Rensselaer patent, Hendrick Van Rensselaer, married by 
Dominie Theodorus Frielinghuysen of the Dutch Reformed 
Church of Albany, the ceremony taking place at Greenbush, 
opposite this city, Sept. 17. 

King George H. gives General Johnson 500 English pounds in 
cash, and rewards his efi^orts by bestowing upon him and " his 
heirs male, the dignity of a baronet of Great Britain," 

September. 

Myndert Schuyler, the son of David Pieterse Schuyler and Catalyn 
Verplanck, born at the Flatts, north of Albany, on Jan. 16, 
1672, and who had been alderman of the First Ward, Indian 
Commissioner, captain of militia, member of Assembly and the 
13th Mayor of Albany, dies at his home on the south side of 
Yonkers (State) street, the third door east of So. Pearl street, 

Oct. 10. 



2l6 JOHANNES HANSEN. No. I/. 



1755-1756. 



Charter election, Common Council : Johannis van Sante, A^olckert 
P. Douw, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Gerrit Marselis, II. Abraham 
Douw, Johannis Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in. 



Oct. 14. 



1756. 



Population of Albany count}- 14.805 whites, 2,619 blacks; total 
17,524 at this time, January. 

Population of the colony of New York 96,790, January. 

Drinks of the rich consist of Madeira, cider, punch and beer. May. 

Physicians practice without examination or license, June. 

Gen. James Abercrombie arrives at Albany with two regiments 
preparatory to attack on forts at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, 
held by the French, Jnne 25. 

The Flatts, historic home of the Schuylers at Watervliet, north of 
the city, partly burned. 

Common Council grants St. Peter's Church a piece of ground for 
a burial-place north of Fort Frederick, July 10. 

Soldiers numbering about 10,000 continually drilling at Albany, 

July. 

Earl of London arrives at Albany to command the army, July 27. 

French make the English garrison at Oswego surrender and this 
brings about cessation of hostilities for the time, August. 

The Flatts. originally built by Richard Van Rensselaer at Water- 
vliet, and used for generations by the Schuyler family, partly 
burned earlier in the year, reconstructed along practically the 
same lines, September. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis van Sante, Volckert 
P. Douw, I. John R. Bleecker, Johannis Beeckman, Jun., II. 
Abraham Douw, Johannis H. Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept. 
29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Sybrant Gozen Van Schaick is appointed the 24th Mayor of Albany 
by Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of the Province of New York, 

September. 
• • • 

(See No. 24.) 




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No. 18. 



Oct. 24. 1733 — Oct. 30, 1740. 



No. i8. 

EDWARD HOLLAND. 

Date of oifice: October 24, 1733-October 30, 1740. 

Date of appointment: October 15, 1733. 

Appointed by: Governor (Col.) William Cosby. 

Date of birth: Baptized September 6, 1702. 

Parents: Captain Henry (H.) and Jenny Sehly (or Seely). 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: (a) Magdalena (bur. March 26, 1737). 

(b) Frances Nicolls. 
Children: (a) Magdalena Mary (1727), Ann (1732). 
Residence: Corner Market (Broadway) and Beaver streets. 
Religion: English Church. 
Place of death: Albany. 
Place of burial: English Church. 

Remarks: First English Mayor. His father commanded Albany 
garrison, 1732. 



No. 1 8. EDWARD HOLLAND. 219 

1733-1734. 



(Continued from No. i6.) 
1733. 



Edward Holland is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, to succeed 
Johannes De Peyster, having been commissioned such by Gov. 
Wm. Cosby, Oct. 24. 

City ordinance " to prevent Negroes or Indian slaves appear in the 
streets after eight at night wtout a Lanthorn and lighted candle 
in it," Nov. 5. 

Birth of Philip Schuyler (later, to be General commanding the 
Army of the North in the Revolution) the fourth in descent 
from Philip Pieterse Schuyler who was the original settler at 
the Flatts, the grandson of Captain Johannes Schuyler, who 
was the loth Mayor, son of John Schuyler, Jun., who became 
the 19th Mayor, and " nephew in second degree " to Col. Pieter 
Schuyler, the first Mayor, Nov. ii. 

Common Council passes an ordinance fining aldermen i shilling 
if they fail to come to the meeting within one hour of the 
ringing of the bell, unless provided with a reasonable excuse, 

Nov. 15. 

Jeremy Van Rensselaer, Esq., and Capt. William Deck presented 
with the freedom of the city, Nov. 24. 

Governor Cosby writes to Lords of Trade that on going to Albany 
to hold conference with Mohawk sachems, he had sent a mes- 
senger to bring him a certain deed for Schoharie lands, and 
believing what the Mohawks told him, on ascertaining that it 
was a quit-claim deed he had handed it to their chief who had 
torn it into bits and angrily cast them into the fire, much to 
the surprise and dismay of the city authorities who had ex- 
pected to return it to the City Hall aifter he had examined it, 

Dec. 15. 



1734. 



Ordered advertised that the key to the house were the water-enginr 
stands is lodged with Mr. Henry Cuyler, March 9. 

Common Council bargains " with Gerrit Lansingh and Anthony 
Bratt to sett up 400 Stockadoes at 9 d. a piece . . . with 
Tennons of good dry oakwood of one and a half inch thick, 
to be drove in five inches, the Stockadoes to be 13 foot long, 
three foot in the ground, to have loop holes at proper 
-distances," June 24. 



220 EDWARD HOLLAND. No. l8. 



1734-1737. 



Evert Bancker. who had been the 3rd jNIayor of Albany, a justice 
of the peace, member of Assembly, Indian Commissioner, 
Master in Chancery and farmed at Guilderland, (born Jan. 24, 
1665) dies, July. 

Charter election, Common Council : Ryer Gerritse, Hendrick Kos- 
ter, I. Cornells Cuyler, Johannis E. Wendell, II. Leendert 
Gansevoort, Johannis Vischer, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn 
in, Oct. 14. 



1735. 



Elm tree at the northwest corner of Yonkers (State) and Parrel 
(Pearl) streets, (which later gave the cognomen "Elm Tree 
Corner") supposed to have been planted by Philip Livingston, 
Port Anne, started by Lord Cornbury at Albany in 1703, completed, 
Charter election. Common Council : Hendrick Koster, Tobias Ryck- 
man, I. Cornelis Cuyler, Johannis E. Wendell, II. Leendert 
Gansevoort, Johannis Vischer, III. Electipn, Sept. 29: sworn 
in, Oct. 14. 



1736. 



Col. William Cosby, Governor of the Province of New York. dies. 

George Clarke begins administration of the Province of New York 
as its President, March 10. 

George Clarke, having administered as President of the Colony, is 
commissioned Lieut. -Governor, July 30. 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Tenbroeck, Gerrit v. 
Benthuysen, 1. Plans Hansen, Johannis Roseboom, II. Leen- 
dert Gansevoort, Ryckart Hansen III. Election, Sept. 29 ; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

George Clarke sworn as Lieut. -Governor, Oct. 30. 



1737. 



Albert Ryckman. who had been the 9th Mayor of Albany, dies 

January. 
Population of Albany county stated as 10,681, )anuary. 

Population of Colony of New York given as 60,437, January. 




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No. 1 8. EDWARD HOLLAND. 221 

1737-1740. 



Lord De La Warr appointed Governor of Province of New York, 

June. 
Mayor and Aldermen summon Mrs. Kitchener and bargain to pay 

her 2 shilHngs and sixpence for every man that eats at her 

house during the entertainment of the Governor, June 27. 

Lord De La Warr resigns as Governor of the Province of New 

York, September. 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Tenbroeck, Johannis 

Vanderheyden, L Hans Hansen, Johannis Roseboom, 11. 

Leendert Gansevoort, Ryckert Hansen, HL Election, Sept. 29; 

sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1738. 



Rev. Henry Barclay, a graduate of Yale and son of Rev. Thos. 

Barclay, appointed rector of St. Peter's Church, Jan. 20. 

Rev. Petrus van Driessen, pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church, 

dies, February. 

Rev. Cornelis van Schie succeeds the late Dominie Petrus van 

Driessen as pastor of the Dutch Church. 
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Tenbroeck, John 

Schuyler, L Hans Hansen, Johannis Cuyler, H. Leendert 

Gansevoort, Ryckart Hansen, HL Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1739. 



George Clinton, son of Col. Charles Clinton (and later New York 

State's first Governor) born in Ulster (later Orange) county, 

July 26. 
Charter election. Common Council : John Schuyler, Jun., Gerrit v. 

Benthuysen, L Johannis Cuyler, Jun., Johannis Roseboom, H. 

Leendert Gansevoort Ryckart Hansen, HL Election, Sept. 29 ; 

sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1740. 



Hendrick Van Rensselaer begins enlargement of his residence. Fort 
Crailo at Greenbush, by the addition of a wing, original house 
measuring 20 x 60 feet. 



222 EDWARD HOLLAND. No. l8. 



1740. 



Ordinance providing for the erection of fire-engine house, May 13. 

Common Council forbids use of the great seal except during session, 
because the clerk carries it in his pocket and so it is unobtain- 
able at other times. 

Hendrick Van Rensselaer, youngest of the three children of Jere- 
mias Van Rensselaer, the second Patroon, and who married a 
granddaughter of Anneke Jans by whom he had four sons and 
five daughters (all of whom save one raising large families) 
dies at his residence, the Crailo, at Greenbush, (opposite 
Albany) bequeathing that estate to his eldest son Johannes, and 
is buried east of his house (in its rear) in the family burial- 
ground (remains removed later when the railroads required 
room for tracks) and news of his death sent at once this day 
by messengers to all his relatives, J^^ly 2. 

Hon. Pieter Van Brugh, who had been the 6th Mayor (born July 
14. 1666, the son of Johannes Pieterse Verbrugge and Tryntje 
Roeloffse and a grandson of Anneke Jans) dies July 20. 

Johannes Cuyler. who had been the 14th Mayor of Albany, and 
Alderman. Conimissioner of Indian Affairs, deacon of the Re- 
formed Dutch Church, and admitted " freeman " of New York 
city in 1696 (born in 1661, the son of Hendrick Cuyler and 
Anna Schepmoes, marrying Elsje Ten Broeck, daughter of 
Dirck Wesselse ten Broeck, 4th Mayor, on Nov. 2. 1684) dies 
at his residence, on the east side of North Pearl street, the 
second door south of Steuben street, running through to the 
street on the east, July 20. 

John Schuyler, Jun., is commissioned the Mayor of Albany by 
Lieut. -Governor George Clarke, 



(See No. 19.) 



No. 19. 



Oct. 31. 1740 — Nov. 22,1741. 



No. 19. 
JOHANNES SCHUYLER, JUN. 

Date of office: October 31, 1 740-November 22, 1741. 

Appointed by: Lieutenant-Governor Georg;e Clarke. 

Date of birth: October 31, 1697. 

Place of birth: " Tbe Flatts." 

Parents: Johannes (S. — loth Mayor) and Elizabeth Staats (Wen- 
dell). 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Cornelia Van Cortlandt. 

Date: October 18, 1723. 

Children: (11-8 s. 3 d.) Geertruj (b. 1724, m. Pieter Schuyler, 
Jun., and 2d Dr. John Cochran), Johannes, Stephanus (1727, 
d. y.), Catherine (1728), Stephanus (1729, d. y.), Philip 
(1731, d. y.)' Major-General Philip (b. 1733, m. Catherine 

Van Rensselaer), Cortlandt (b. 1735, m. Barbara ), 

Stephanus (b. 1737, m. Lena Ten Eyck), Elizabeth (1738, 
d. y.), Oliver (1741, d. v.). 

Occupation: Mercantile. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: November 7, 1746. 

Place of death: " The Flatts." 

Place of burial: "The Flatts," West Troy (Watervliet), N. Y. 

Title: Captain. 

Remarks: Father of Major-Gcncral Philip Schuyler. Indian Com- 
missioner, 1733. Alderman first ward, 1738 and 1739. 




ig. JOHANNES SCHUYLER, Jun. 
17-10-1741. 
From a photograph made by Bradley, of New York, from the miniature 
owned in 1906, by Mrs. Katharine Schuyler Baxter, of New York city, a 
great-great-granddaughter. 



No. 19. JOHANNES SCHUYLER, JUN, 225 

1740-1741. 

(Continued from No. i8.) 
1740. 



Johannes Schnyler, Jun.. sworn as the Mayor of Albany, to succeed 
Edward Holland, having been commissioned as such by Lieut. - 
Governor George Clarke, 

Fort Crailo, a Holland-brick building of two stories and dormer 
attic, built by Hendrick Van Rensselaer (grandson of Kiliaen 
Van Rensselaer the ist Patroon, but of the generation that 
actually came to America) supposedly about 1642, but more 
probably 20 to 30 years later, at that time with nine stone 
musket or port-holes through which to project a rifle and then 
with dimensions 20 x 60 feet, increased during the summer and 
fall by an addition of some size. October. 

Charter election. Common Council : Gerrit Van Benthuysen, Johan- 
nis Marselis, I. Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, 11. 
Ryaert Hansen, Gerret C. Vanden Bergh, HI. Election, Sept. 
29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1741. 



The Mayor allowed the use of city seal to affix same to " tavern 

keepers lycences," there being much dispute as to who may use. 
Assembly passes an Act enabling the county and city of Albany to 

erect a new court-house and gaol. 
Child named Oliver born to Mayor Johannes Schuyler, Jun. and 

wife, Cornelia Van Cortlandt ; but died young. 
Johannes De Peyster commissioned to be the Mayor of Albany a 

third time, by Lieut. -Governor George Clarke, Nov. 14. 



(See No. 16.) 



No. 20. 



Oct. 14, 1742 — Sept. 28, 1746. 



No. 20. 
CORNELIS CUYLER. 

Date of ofhce: October 14, 1742-September 28, 1746. 

Appointed by: Lieutenant-Governor George Clarke. 

Date of birth: (Bap.) February 14, 1697. 

Place of birth: ' New York, N. Y. 

Parents: Johannes (C. — 14th Mayor) and Elsje Ten Broeck (dau. 
of 4th Mayor). 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Catharina (or Catalyntje) Schuyler (dau. of loth 
Mayor) . 

Date: December 9, 1726. 

Children: (9-6 s. 3 d.) Johannes (1729), Elizabeth (1731), Philip 
(1733), Hendrick (1735). Elsje (1737). Margarita (1738), 
Cornelis (1740), Col. Abraham C. (26th Mayor — b. 1742), 
Dirck (1745); 

Residence: South side Steuben, 4th west of Chapel street. 

Occupation: Merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: March 14, 1765. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Father of Mayor Abraham Cuyler. Indian Commis- 
sioner 14 years. 



No. 20. CORNELIS CUYLER. 229 



1742-1744. 



(Continued from No. i6.) 
1742. 



Cornells Cuyler sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding 
Johannes De Peyster, having been commissioned such by Lieut. - 
Governor George Clarke. 



1743. 



Johannes J\lyndertse is paid 7 shillings by the city for repairing the 
stocks wherein criminals are exhibited to the public gaze, 

April II. 

George Clinton begins his administration of the Province of New 
York as Governor, Sept. 2. 

Common Council appoints Robert Lansingh, Bernardus Hartsen and 
Michael Basset to take charge of fire-engines at time of fire, 
ever to be ready, to make keys with which to open engine shed, 
and to hang the same in their houses when absent, to receive 
annually six schepels of wheat for these services. 

Common Council contracts with Anthony Bratt for removal of old 
block-house ( then located near the City Hall ) to the site of the 
old powder-house on sand plains south of city ; supplying all 
labor and material, for 13 pounds, 4 shillings. 

Charter election, Common Council: Johannis Marselis, Jacob C. 

Ten Eyck, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Nicholas Bleecker, II. 

, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1744. 



Albany hears of declaration of war between England and France, 
and it seriously affects the colonists, who fear attack from 
Canada, June. 

Gov. George Clinton holds a conference with sachems of Six 
Nations and advises them to beware of the French, June 18. 



230 CORNEIJS CUYLER. No. 20. 



1744-1745. 



Charter election. Common Council : Jacob C. Ten Eyck, John Mar- 
selis and Sybrant G. Van Schaick, tie vote ; subsequently John 
Livingston, I. Nicholas Bleecker, Jun., David V. D. Heyden, 
II. Jacob A^isher, Jacob Wendell, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



174 5. 



Jercmias Van Rensselaer, the son of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, being 
the 5th Patroon and the 3rd Lord of the Manor, dies immar- 
ried, and Stephen his brother and the second son of their father 
Kiliaen, succeeds in the lordship as the 6th Patroon. 

Charter election, Common Council : Jacob C. Ten Eyck, John 
Livingston, I. Nicholas Bleecker, Jun., David Vanderheyden, 
11. Jacob Vischer, Gerrit Van Ness, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Gov. George Clinton writes to Lords of Trade that he is planning 
to secure the fort at Crown Point, held by the French in the 
Indians' own lands, and is sending to Albany " six pieces of 
Cannon of 18 pounders with carriages, and a proportion of 
powder. Ball, Match and other Implements," November. 

The home of Philip Schuyler, a nephew of Mayor Pieter Schuyler 
and the uncle of Gen. Philip Schuyler, situate on the lands of 
his father, Johannes Schuyler, is attacked at night by a force of 
Canadians and Indians under Marin, an officer named Beauvais 
commanding the squad that surrounds his residence. The 
French manuscript sent back by these men as a report states : 
" We went to the house of a man named Philip Skulle (Schuy- 
ler), a brave man who would have given us much trouble if 
he had had with him a dozen men as valiant as himself. The 
other ( Schuyler) replied that he was a dog, and that he would 
kill him, and then fired upon him. Beauvais repeated his re- 
quest to surrender, to which Philip answered by firing again. 
At last Beauvais, weary of receiving his fire, shot and killed 
him. We entered immediately, and everything was pillaged 
in an instant. The house was of brick, pierced with loop-holes 
to the ground floor," Nov. 17. 

Governor Clinton hears of the French burning a settlement (Schuy- 
lerville) near a ])lace called " Saratoge," two days previous, 
which sacking included the fort, the scalping and killing of 
thirty, and taking about sixty prisoners, Nov. 19. 



No. 20. CORNFXIS CUYLER. 23 1 



1745-1746. 



Governor Clinton orders the " Six Nations of Indians to take up the 
hatchet against the Enemy immediately." November. 

Albany terrorized and filled with refugees, the three market-houses 
being converted into barracks, December. 

John Jay (who later becomes first Governor of New York to reside 
in Albany) the 8th son of Peter Jay. bom in New York city, 

Dec. 12. 



1746. 



l^xpedition against Canada, New York sending i,6oo men. 

Col. William Johnson ( Indian Agent) hoping to enlist the Mohawks 
against the French brings them to Albany from west of the city, 
putting himself at their head " dressed and painted as an Indian 
war-captain. The Indians followed him painted for war. As 
they passed the fort, they saluted by a running fire, which the 
governor answered by cannon. The chiefs were afterwards 
received in the fort-hall, and treated to wine. A good deal of 
private manoeuvering with the individual sachems was found 
necessary to make them declare for war with France before a 
public council was held." Auo-. 8. 

Col. William Johnson appointed " chief manager of the Indian War 
and Colonel over all the Indians by their own approbation," 

September. 

Dirck Ten Broeck commissioned the Alayor of Albany by George 
Clinton, Governor of the Province of New York, 

• • • 

(See No. 21.) 



No. 21. 



itrrk oim Mratck 



Sept. 29. 1746 — Oct. 1. 1748. 



No. 21. 

DIRCK TEX BROECK. 

Date of Office: September 29, 1746 — October 2, 1748, 

Appointed by: Governor George Clinton. 

Date of birth: December 4, 1686. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Wessel (T. B. — son of 4th Mayor) and Caatje (or 
Cattryna) Loockermans. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: ^Margarita Cuyler. 

Date: November 26. 1714. 

Children: (12-5 s. 7 d.) Catryna (b. 1715, m. John Livingston), 
Anna (1717), Christina (b. 1718, m. Philip Livingston, Jun.), 
]\Iaria (b. 1721, m. Gerardus Groesbeck), Wessels (1722), 
Sara (b. 1725, m. Johannes Hendrick Ten Eyck), Margarita 
(1727-29), Abraham (1729-32), Margarita (b. 1731, m. Ger- 
ardus Lansing), Abraham (b. 1734, m. Elizabeth Van Rens- 
selaer — 28th Alayor), Dirck (1736-7), Dirck (b. 1738, m. 
Anna Douw, dau. of 25th Mayor). 

Residence: Third Ward (of that period). 

Occupation: Merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: January 3, 1751. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: On January 7th, in Dutch Church. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: City Inspector of Skins. [March, 1715. Deacon in 
Dutch Church, 1720. Alderman. July. 1722. Commissioner 
of Indian Affairs, 1728, for 15 years. City Recorder, 1728. 




21. DIRCK TEN BROECK. 
September 29, 1746-October 2, 1749. 
From a photograph made by Austin Engraving Co., from an old engraving 
owned by The Albany Institute. 



No. 21. DIRCK TEN BROECK. 235 



1746-1747. 



(Continued from No. 20.) 
1746. 



Dirck i en Broeck sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding Cor- 
nelis Cuyler, having been commissioned by Gov. Geo. CHnton. 

Population of the colony of New York 61,589. 

l-'ive companies of militia sent from New York city to protect 
Albany during the winter, in fear of attack from the north bv 
the French, September. 

Common Council orders that every property owner upon hearing 
the night alarm set candles in their windows to illumine the 
way for those running to the fort, September. 

Charter election, Common Council : Jacob C. Ten Eyck, Sybrant 
G. Van Schaick, I. Johannis Roseboom, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, 
II. Gerrit Van Ness, Ahasueris Roseboom, III. Election, 
Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Johannes Schuyler, Jun., who had been the 19th Mayor of Albany, 
born on Oct. 31, 1697, the son of Johannes Schuyler (the loth 
Mayor) and Elizabeth Staats (Wendell), who married Cornelia 
Van Cortlandt on Oct. 18, 1723, a valiant colonel of militia 
during troublous times, Alderman of the ist Ward, Indian 
Commissioner and father of Gen. Philip Schuyler, dies at " The 
Flatts," Nov. 7. 



1747. 



Col. William Johnson sends several Ijands of Indians into Canada, 
and they bring back a number of scalps and many prisoners. 

Stephen Van Rensselaer, who had succeeded his brother on his 
death in 1745 as the 6th Patroon, dies, aged 40. leaving two 
sons and a daughter (the elder son, Stephen, aged 5, becoming 
later the 7th Patroon, John Baptist, the younger son, to die a 
bachelor, and the daughter, Elisabeth, to marry Mayor Abra- 
ham Ten Broeck on Nov. i, 1763), 

Charter election. Common Council : Jacob C. Ten Eyck, Sybrant G. 
Van Schaick, I. Jacob H. Ten Eyck, John Roseboom, Jun., II. 
Gerrit A'^an Ness, Coenraet Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



236 DIRCK TEN BROECK. No. 21. 

1748. 



1748. 

City clerk authorized to use the city seal in the presence of three 
aldermen, or the Mayor may use it in absence of the clerk, the 
fight being- renewed as to what official should derive the fees 
and perquisites from its application to documents. 

Death of Margaret Schuyler Collins, widow of Lieut. John Collins, 
of Capt. Henry Holland's English garrison at Albany, an im- 
portant name in transactions for years to come because of tlie 
large tract of lands the Indians had given to her (2,000 acres, 
July 10. 1714) situate near the site of Fonda, N. Y., through 



friendship for her, ]\Iav 



Peace restored between England and France and quietude obtaining 
in the Province of New York by reason of the treaty of Aix- 
la-Chapelle. October. 

Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck commissioned the Mayor of Albany by 
Governor George Clinton of the Province of New York, 

Charter election, Common Council : Johannis de Peyster, Jacob C. 
Ten Eyck, L Hans Hansen. John Glen, H. Coenraet Ten 
Eyck, Abraham Douw, HI. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 
• • • 

(See No. 22.) 



DIRCK TEN BROECK'S COMMISSION. 
George II. of England commissioned " Dirck Ten Brook to be Mayor. Clerk of the 
Market of our City of Albany and Coroner of our said City and County of Albany for the 
Year Ensuing," from Oct. 13, 1747; signed Oct. 3, I747- (Owned by N. Y. State 
Library ; size, 8'A x 15 in. ; seal, 4>< in.) 



No. 22. 



Jarnb Qlorarat^it ®mSgrk, 



Oct. 2, 174^8 — Oct. 14, 1750. 



No. 22. 

JACOB COENRAEDT TEN EYCK. 

Date of office: October i, 1748-October 14, 1750. 

Appointed by: Governor George Clinton. 

Date of appointment: October 3, 1749. 

Date of birth: April 21, 1705. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Coenraedt (T. E.) and Geertje Van Scbaick. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: Catharyna Cuyler. 

Date: August 17, 1736. 

Children: (4-3 s. i d.) Anthony (b. 1739, m. Maria Egbertse), 
Coenraedt (b. 1741, m. Charlotte Ten Eyck; then Geertje 
Ten Eyck, 1781), Abraham (b. 1743, m. Annatje Lansing), 
Catarina (1746). 

Residence: First Ward and on Troy Road. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: September 9, 1793. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemeterv'. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: A man of wealth and strict integrity. Commissioner of 
Indian Affairs, November 16, 1752-June 15, 1754. Member 
of Committee of Safety, 1775. Judge of Court of Common 
Pleas. 



No. 22. JACOB COENRAEDT TEN EYCK. 23Q 

1748-1749. 

(Continued from No. 21.) 
1748. 



Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeed- 
ing Dirck Ten Broeck, having been commissioned by Gov. 
George Clinton, 

Philip Schuyler (later becoming the famous general) having been 
taught at his home by a Huguenot tutor until 15 years old, 
is sent to New Rochelle, the home of the Huguenot refugees, 
and is placed in care of Rev. Mr. Stouppe, pastor of the French 
Protestant Church. 



1749. 



Population of Albany county (after drainage of the inhabitants 
by King George's War) stated as 9,154 white, and 1,480 black; 
total population, 10,634, May 10. 

Population of the Colony of New York given as 73,348, May 10. 

Peter Kalm, collecting seeds and plants for the University of Upsala, 
Sweden, sails from New York for Albany, and among the 
incidents recorded in his journal may be found the following: 
" We saw a wdiole fleet of little boats returning from New 
York, whither they had brought provisions and other goods 
for sale. * * * All the yachts which ply between Albany 
and New York, belong to Albany. * '^ * They come 
home almost empty, and only bring a few merchandises with 
them, among which rum is the chief. * * * The people 
in it do not row sitting (canoes with the yachts) but commonly 
a fellow stands at one end, with a short oar in his hand, with 
which he governs and brings the canoe forward. * * * 
Battoes are another kind of boats, which are much in use at 
Albany. * * * The bottom is flat that they may row the 
better in shallow water. * * * They are chiefly made use 
of for carrying goods, by means of the rivers to the Indians. 
* "'• * They sow wheat in the neighborhood of Albany with 
great advantage. From one bushel they get twelve sometimes : 
if the soil be good they get twenty bushels from one. ''■' * * 
The wheat flour from Albany is reckoned the best in all North 
America, except that from Sopus. * * * They are un- 
acquainted with stoves, and their chimneys are so wide that 
one could drive through them with a cart and horses. The 
water of several wells in this town was verv cool about this 



240 TAC015 COENR.\EDT TEN EVCK. No. 22. 



1749. 



time, but had a kind of acid taste which was not very agreeable. 
* * * I think this water is not very wholesome for people who 
are not used to it, though the inhabitants of Albany who drink 
it every day, say that they do not feel the least inconvenience 
from it. Almost every house in Albany has its well, the water 
of which is applied to common use; but for tea, brewing and 
washing, they commonly take the water of the river. * * '* 
There are two churches in Albany, an English one and a Dutch 
one. The Dutch church stands at some distance from the river, 
on the east side of the market. It is built of stone; and in the 
middle it has a small steeple, with a bell. It has but one 
minister, who preaches twice every Sunday. The English 
church is situated on the hill, at the west end of the market, 
directly under the fort. It is likewise built of stone, but has 
no steeple. ■■'■ ■■'■ '■■• The town-hall lies to the southward of 
the Dutch church, close by the riverside. It is a fine building 
of stone, three stories high. It has a small tower or steeple 
with a bell, and a gilt ball and vane at the top of it. The 
houses in this town are very neat, and partly built with stones 
covered with shingles of the White Pine. Some are slated 
with tiles from Holland, because the clay of this neighborhood 
is not reckoned fit for tiles. Most of the houses are built in 
the old way, with the gable-end towards the street ; a few 
excepted. * "(■ * The gutters on the roofs reach almost to 
the middle of the street. This preserves the walls from being 
damaged by the rain ; but is extremely disagreeable in rainy 
weather for the people in the streets, there being hardly any 
means of avoiding the water. The street-doors are generally 
in the middle of the houses ; and on both sides are seats, on 
which, during fan* weather, the people spend almost the whole 
day, especially on those which are in the shadow of the houses. 
In the evening these seats are covered with people of both 
sexes ; but this is rather troublesome, as those who pass are 
obliged to greet every body. * * * The streets upon the 
whole are very dirty, because the people leave their cattle in 
them during the sumiuer nights. * * * The fort lies higher 
than any other building, on a high, steep hill on the west of the 
town. It is a great building of stone, surrounded with high 
and thick walls. Its situation is very bad, as it can only serve to 
keep ofif plundering parties, without being able to sustain a 
siege. * =■' * The river Hudson, which flows by it, is from 
twelve to twenty feet deep. There is not yet any quay made 
for the better lading of the yachts, because the people feared 
it would sufifcr greatly or be entirely carried away in spring 




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1749. 



by the ice, which then comes down the river. The vessels 
which are in use here, may come pretty near the shore in order 
to be laden, and heavy goods are brought to them upon canoes 
tied together. * * * There is not a place in all the British 
colonies, the Hudson's Bay settlement excepted, where such 
quantities of furs and skins are bought of the Indians as at 
Albany. * * * Many people have assured me that the 
Indians are frequently cheated in disposing of their goods, 
especially when they are in liquor ; and that sometimes they do 
not get one-half, or even one tenth of the value of their goods. 
I have been a witness to several transactions of this kind. The 
merchants of x^lbany glory in these tricks, and are highly 
pleased when they have given a poor Indian a greater portion 
of brandy than he can bear, and when they can after that get 
all his goods for mere trifles. The Indians often find, when 
they are sober again, that they have been cheated ; they grumble 
somewhat, but are soon satisfied when they reflect that they 
have for once drank as much as they are able of a liquor which 
they value beyond anything else in the whole world and they 
are quite insensible to their loss, if they again get a draught of 
this nectar. * * * The greater part of the merchants at 
Albany have extensive estates in the country and a great deal 
of wood. If their estates have a little brook, they do not fail 
to erect a saw-mill upon it. * * * Many people at Albany 
make the wampum of the Indians, which is their ornament and 
their money, by grinding some kinds of shells and muscles : 
this is a considerable profit to the inhabitants. " * * If a 
Jew, who understands the art of getting forward pretty well, 
should settle amongst them, they would not fail to ruin him. 
* * * The inhabitants of Alban}- are much more sparing 
than the English.' The meat which is served up is often inr 
sufficient to satisfy the stomach, and the bowl does not circulate 
so freely as amongst the English. The women are perfectly 
well acquainted with economy ; they rise early, go to sleep very 
late, and are almost over nice and cleanly in regard to the 
floor, which is frequently scoured several times in the week. 
The servants in the town are chiefly negroes. Some of the 
inhabitants wear their own hair, but it is very short, without 
a bag or queue, which are looked upon as the characteristics of 
Frenchmen ; and as I wore my hair in a bag the first day I 
came here from Canada. I was surrounded with children, who 
called me Erenchman and some of the boldest ofifered to pull at 
my Erench dress. Their meat and manner of dressing it is 
verv diiiferent from that of the English. Their breakfast is 



242 JACOB COENRAEDT TEN EYCK. No. 22, 

1749-1750. 



tea, commonly without milk. About thirty or forty years ago, 
tea was unknown to them, and they breakfasted either upon 
bread and butter or bread and milk. They never put sugar into 
the cup, but take a small bit of it into their mouths whilst they 
drink. Along with the tea they eat bread and butter, with 
slices of hung beef. Coffee is not usual here : they breakfast 
generally about seven. Their dinner is buttermilk with bread, 
to which they sometimes add sugar, and then it is a delicious 
dish for them ; or fresh milk and bread ; or boiled or roasted 
flesh. They sometimes make use of butter-milk instead of fresh 
milk to boil a thin kind of porridge with, which tastes very 
sour, but not disagreeable in hot w^eather. To each dinner they 
have a great salad, prepared with abundance of vinegar and 
very little or no oil. They frequently eat butter-milk, bread 
and salad, one mouthful after another. Their supper is gen- 
erally bread and butter, and milk and bread. They sometimes 
eat cheese at breakfast and at dinner: it is not in slices, but 
scraped or rasped, so as to resemble coarse flour, which they 
pretend adds to the good taste of cheese. They commonly 
drink very small beer or pure water," June lo. 

Rev. John Ogilvie, preparing to be the rector of St. Peter's Church 
and having studied under Dr. Samuel Johnson, takes a letter 
of recommendation from him to the Bishop of London, who 
forthwith ordains him and issues a license authorizing him to 
officiate in the "Plantations" (American colonies), June 30. 

Charter election. Common Council: Johannis de Peyster, Isaac 
Staats, L Hans Hansen, John Glen, IL Abraham Dow 
(Douw), Harme Gansevoort, HI. Election, Sept. 29; sworn ir. 

Oct. 14. 



1750. 



Rev. John Ogilvie, D. D., first officiates at St. Peter's Church, as 

its new rector, Feb. 27. 

Robert Sanders commissioned the ]\Iavor of Albany bv Gov. Geo. 

Clinton. 
Charter election. Common Council: Johannis de Peyster, Johanni.- 
van Sante, L John Glen, Jacob Ten Eyck, H. Abraliam 
Douw, Plarme Gansevoort, HL Election, Sept. 29 : sworn in. 

Oct. 14. 
• • • 

(See No. 23.) 




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No. 23. 



Snbfrt ^mtiirrs. 



Oct. 15, 1750 , 1754. 



No. 23. 
ROBERT SANDERS. 

Date of office: October 15, 1 750-1 754. 

Appointed by: Governor George Clinton. 

Date of birth: Jnly 11, 1705. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Barent (S.) and Maria Wendell. 

Education: Common school. 

Married to: (a) Maria Lansing. ( d. Feb. 16, 1743). 
(b) Elizabeth Schuyler. 

Date: (a) December 6, 1740. 
(b) January 11, 1747. 

Children: (10-4 s. 6 d.) (a) Barent (b. February 4, 1743; d. 
October 30, 1743). (b) Maria ( b. August 21, 1747; d. Sep- 
tember 6, 1747), a son (b. and d. July 20, 1748), Maria 
b. October 15; 1749; ni. Philip Van Rensselaer), Catrina 
b. February 18, 1752; d. July 26, 1771 ; m. Henry Ten Eyck), 
Barent (b. December 14, 1753; d. October 15, 1756), Pieter 
(b. December 2, 1755; d. May 4, 1774), Deborah (b. Feb- 
ruary 8, 1858; d. November 28, 1798; m. John Sanders of 
Scotia), Elizabeth (b. July 9, 1760; d. August 13, 1760), 
Elizabeth (b. December 18, 1761 ; d. April 25, 1786). 

Occupation : Merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: May 24, 1765. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: r)eneath pew in Dutch Church ; removed to San- 
ders family cemetery, Scotia, N. Y., 1805. 

Title: Captain. 

Remarks: Acted most important parts in dealings conducted with 
the Indian tribes. 




22. ROBERT SANDERS. 

1750-1754- 
From a photograph made Ijy Knapp, All)any, of the oil painting made in 
1722, hanging in 1904 in the liouse of his great-great-grandson, Charles P. 
Sanders, Scotia, N. Y. 



No. 2^. ROBERT SANDERS. 245 

1750-1751. 

( Continued from No. 22. ) 
1750. 



Robert Sanders sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding Jacob 
Coenraedt Ten Eyck, having- been commissioned by Gov. George 
Clinton, ' Oct. 15. 

Common Council orders the bell of the City Hall rung at noon as 
well, as formerly, at 8 o'clock at night. 

No docks at this period, vessels loading cargoes by pontoons of 
canoes, while anchored in deep water from shore, 

King George 11. gives silver medals or tokens, twice the size of 
silver dollars, bearing the likenesses of himself and wife, Queen 
Caroline, suspended on long chains, to the chiefs of the five 
Indian tribes of the Iroquois confederation of New York, be- 
cause of aid rendered the r>ritish arms in fighting the French. 



1751. 



Dirck Ten Broeck, who had been the 21st ]\Iayor of Albany, born 
Dec. 4, 1686, the son of Wessel Ten Broeck and Caatje Loocker- 
mans, and who married Margarita Cuyler, on Nov. 26, 17 14, 
an Alderman, Commissioner of Indian At^'airs for 15 years 
following 1728, the City Recorder in 1728, and a deacon of the 
Dutch Church, dies, Jan. 3. 

Corporation, by order of the Common Council, sells at auction the 
exclusive one-year's right to Cornelius Van Vechten to ferry 
from Greenbush to Albany for 3 pounds 19 shillings, and to 
Jeremiah the sole right to ferry from Albany to Greenbush for 
one year, for 3 pounds 4 shillings, March 2. 

Agitation started by the vestry of St. Peter's Church to reconstruct 
it largely by the erection of a tower or spire rising at the gable 
nearest Fort Frederick, further up Yonkers (State) street, and 
by placing a bell in the tower, one purchased at London from 
Warner & Co. (erroneously styled in the next century " the 
Queen Anne bell ") and now first hung, 3*Iarch 6. 

Thirty-three canoes, holding about two hundred of the Six Nations, 
come to Albany for conference with Gov. George Clinton, 
whereat are also present the Indian Commissioners from Massa- 
chusetts, Connecticut and South Carolina, the Governor of the 
last-named province sending six Catawba sachems to make 
peace with the Six Nations ; wampum belts are exchanged, 
tomahawks buried and the calumet smoked, J^i^Y- 



246 ROBERT SANDERS. No. 23. 



1751-1753. 



Charter election, Common Council: johannis de Peyster, Johanni.-. 
van Santc, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, John Glen, II. Abraham 
Douw, Harme Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in. 



Oct. 14. 



1752. 



New city seal (showing the beaver) adopted, the old one (with 
letters ALB) being declared null and void and dead in law, and 
the new one declared for the use of the Common Council, 

April 28. 

Massachusetts disputes her western boundary line with New York, 
the former claiming by Charter the lands from the eastern 
boundary of the colony (Massachusetts seaboard on the At- 
lantic) westward to the Pacific Ocean, and consequently 
seriously encroached on the manors of Hendrick Van Rensselaer 
and of Robert Livingston to the south of it, sometimes the 
Massachusetts officers being captured and hurried ofif to the 
Albany gaol, and again the Albany sherifif being captured and 
taken to the Springfield lock-up, — hence, Livingston writes to 
Governor Clinton to complain strenuously to Massachusetts* 
Governor, April. 

New city seal used on all public documents, the Mayor or Aldermen 
to be paid 3 shillings, in fees, and the clerk 6 shillings, for 
placing seal to any instrument, June 30. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis de Peyster, Johannis 
van Sante, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, John Glen, II. Abraham 
Dow (Douw), Harme Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1753. 



Phili]) Ryley given charge of the town-clock by the Council. 

Common Council draws up a petition to Gov. George Clinton, re- 
questing him to levy a tax on the Province in order to raise 
$30,000 with which to build a stone wall about Albany, claiming, 
as a frontier town, it should be fortified at expense of the colony. 

May 29. 

Eerry charges fixed by the Common Council at 3 coppers per head. 

Lords of Trade address letters to the governors of Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire, New Jersey, Penn.sylvania, Maryland and 




ALBANY SEAL OF 1752. 

The first city seal of 1686, with letters 
"ALB," declared dead in law and this 
one adopted on April 28, 1752- 



No. 2^. ROBERT SANDERS. 247 

1753-1754. 



Virginia, requesting- commissioners to assemble at Alban}- in 
Colonial Congress, in order to discuss and if possible con- 
federate the colonies for their mutual defense against a common 
enemy, Whitehall, Sept. i8. 

Sir Danvers Osborne begins the administration of the Province of 
New York as its Governor, Oct. lo. 

Governor Danvers Osborne, overcome by the difficulties ancl vexa- 
tions of his new office, quarrels and criticisms, commits suicide. 

Oct. 12. 

James de Lancey (born in New York city on Nov. 27, 1703, the 
son of Stephen de Lancey, who arrived there on June 7, 1686, 
and married Anne Van Cortlandt on Jan. 23. 1700) succeeds 
Sir Danvers Osborne in the administration of affairs of the 
Province of New York, but cannot be made its Governor be- 
cause born in the limits of the colony, Oct. 12. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis de Peyster, Johannis 
van Sante, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, John Glen, II. Abraham 
Dow (Douw), John IT. Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1754. 



The provinces deciding to send commissioners to Albany, the same 
gather in Colonial Congress at the court-house, located at the 
northeast corner of Court ( Broadway ) and Spanish streets 
(Hudson ave.),and proceed to discuss the proposition of peace- 
ful co-operation with the Indians, Wednesday, June 19 

Commissioners at the Colonial Congress include : For Massachu- 
setts — Samuel Welles, John Chandler, Thomas Hutchinson. 
Oliver Partridge, John Worthington ; for New Hampshire — 
Theodore Atkinson, Richard Wibird. Meshech Weare, Henry 
Sherburne, Jun. ; for Connecticut — William Pitkin. Roger 
Wolcott, Jun., Elisha Williams; for Rhode Island — Stephen 
Hopkins, Martin Howard, Jun. ; for Pennsylvania — John 
Penn, Richard Peters, Isaac Norris, Benjamin Franklin ; for 
Maryland — Col. Benjamin Tasker, ]\Iaj. Abraham Barnes, 

June 19. 

Rev. Richard Peters (commissioner to Colonial Congress from 
Pennsylvania) preaches the sermon at service at St. Peter's 
Church, attended by the delegates, on Sunday, June 2t,. 

Motion is made before the Colonial Congress that the commissioners 
state their various opinions as to the formation of a union of the 



248 K(»l!liRT SANDERS. No. 23. 

1754. 



colonies as being gravely necessary for their future security, 
which motion being passed unanimously a committee is named 
consisting of Thomas Hutchinson, Theodore Atkinson, Willian.i 
Pitkin, Stephen Hopkins, Benjamin Franklin and Jlenjamin 
Tasker, " to prepare and receive plans or schemes for the union 
of the colonies, and to digest them into one general ])lan "' to 
be announced to the convention so soon as formulated, June 24. 

Colonial Congress having had an extended debate on the matter, 
accepts by vote the " Plan of a ])roposed Union of the several 
colonies of jNIassachusetts Bay, Xew Hampshire, Connecticut, 
Rhode Island, Xew York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mary- 
land, A'irginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, for their 
mutual defence and security,'' and it is then proposed that the 
colonies make humble application to be granted by Act of Pai- 
liament the right to form one general government in America, 
under which each colony might retain its constitution excepting 
in those particulars which the government of the crown might 
wish to change, in order that the general government so created 
might be administered by a president-general appointed by the 
crown and the grand council chosen by the representatives of 
the several colonies, convening in their assemblies, and the 
proportionate representation was to be : Massachusetts Bay, 7 ; 
New^ Hampshire, 2 ; Connecticut, 5 ; Rhode Island, 2 ; New 
York, 4; New Jersey, 3; Pennsylvania, 6; Maryland, 4; \'ir- 
ginia, 7 ; North Carolina, 4 ; South Carolina. 4 ; total, 4S mem- 
bers, J>^iiy- 

Colonial Congress adjourns, designating Philadelphia the place for 
the next assembling, Ji-ib' ^^■ 

French violate the i\ix-la-Chapelle treaty, a band of French Indians 
burning houses at Hoosick and about sixty Schaghticoke In- 
dians going with the invaders to Canada, -^^^S- ^S. 

Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey orders new stockades placed at 
Albany and the militia of the nearby counties to be held ready 
to proceed thither, September. 

Johannes ("Hans") Hansen commissioned the Mayor of Albany 
by Lieut. -Ciovernor James De Lancey. 



(See No. 17.) 




CITY HALL OF 1740. 

Erected on site of old Stadt Huis of Nov., 1673, at n. e. cor. Broad- 
way and Hudson ave., Oct. 29, 1740; law amended Apr. 29, 1743, to 
provide $2,000 to complete. Fir^t Colonial Congress met herein June 19, 
1754 ; vacated Nov. i, 1808, and offices moved into Capitol just completed 
at head of State st. Destroyed by fire Apr. 30, 1836. 



No. 24. 

^ghrant (^azm Ban ^rtj atrk. 



-, 1756 — Sept. 28, 1761. 



No. 24. 

SNI'.KAXT (i()ZI-:X \.\.\ SellAK-K. 

Pd/c of (i/'licc: I75(')-Sc'])l(.'iii1)t'r _'S, \y()\. 

. I pf'oiiitt'd hy: (iovcnior (Sir) L'harU's 1 lardy. 

Ihilc of Hirllr. Dcccmhi'r K), 1708. 

Parciils: ( ii)/.(.ii ( \'. S. ) and C'atarina Staats. 

F.diication: COmnion school. 

Married to: Alida Rosehooni. 

Pate: Decern her 1 1 , 1735. 

children: (7-4 s. 3 d. ) ( lo/.en ( h. I73''>, 111. Maria Ten llroeck). 

Ahiria (1738), Kyckie (1741), .Myndert ( 1 743 ) , C'alharina 

• (1745). Maria ( h. 1745. ni. I'hihp (.onyn), Myndert ( 1751). 

Residence: Sonth corner Aharket street ( llroadway ) and l^'.xchani^'e 

street. 
Relis^ioii : Hutch Reforini'(k 
Title: Ihmorahk'. 




2.-. SYBRANT G(3ZEN VAX SCHAICK. 
1756-1761. 
From an old oil paiiUiiifjj liangint:- in T904 in the building of the Albany 
Institute and Historical and Art Society. 



No. 24. SVBRANT GOZEN VAN SCIIAICK. 25 1 

1756-1757. 

(Continued from No. 17.) 
1756. 



Sybrant Gozen \"an Schaick sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc- 
ceeding Johannes (" Hans ") Hansen, having been commis- 
sioned such by Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of the Province 
of New York. 

Small-pox epidemic. October. 

Johannes (" Hans ") Hansen, who had been the previous Mayor 
(the 17th) of Albany, born in June, 1695, the son of Hendrick 
Hansen, the 5th Mayor of Albany, and Debora Van Dam, and 
who married Sara Cuyler, the daughter of Johannes Cuyler, 
the I4tli Mayor on April 25, 1723, dies at his residence in this 
citv, December. 



1757. 



Birth of Alexander Hamilton (who on Dec. 14, 1780, marries Gen. 
Philip Schuyler's second daughter, Elizabeth, at the Schuyler 
Mansion in the southern part of the city) in the island of Nevis, 
West Indies, Jan. 11. 

Sir Charles Hardy resigns as Governor of the Province of New 
York, preferring naval life as an Admiral of the British Navy, 
and James de Lancey again administers as Lieut. -Governor, 

June 3. 

Hendrick Van Rensselaer's Claverack patent involved in the Massa- 
chusetts-New York boundary dispute, a matter so serious along 
the line that wherever there were dwellers riots occurred with 
such frequency as to make it unsafe to own a farm near the 
boundary, and in one of these pitched battles between mobs two 
men were killed, and threats made to take both Hendrick Van 
Rensselaer and Livingston dead or alive, Ji-^ly- 

Duncan ^Ic Vicar, father of Mrs. Anne MacVicar Grant (born at 
Glasgow. Feb. 21. 1755) who wrote of Mrs. Philip Schuyler 
in " Memoirs of an American Lady," (pub'd at London in 
1808) comes to America as an officer of the 51st British 
Regiment, his wife and daughter remaining at home (another 
year before joining him). 

Montcalm's French troops succeed in massacring the English gar- 
rison at Fort William Henry at southern end of Lake George. 

August. 



252 S^•|iRA^■T GOZEN VAN SCIIAICK. No. 24. 



1757. 



Elizabeth Schuyler, the second daughter of Gen. Philip Schuyler 
and Catherine Van Rensselaer (to marry Alexander Hamilton 
at the Schuyler Mansion in the southern part of the city on 
Dec. 14, 1780), born at the southeast corner of Yonkers (State) 
street and Pearl (house removed later to widen Pearl street), 

Aug. 7. 

Albanians fear an attack from the French and refugees flock thither 
and with the soldiers arriving for defence crowd the city. Of 
the latter Mrs. Anne Grant in her " Memoirs of an American 
Lady " writes : " Those polished strangers now began to make 
a part of general society. * * * By this time the Anglo- 
mania was beginning to spread. A sect arose among the young 
people, who seemed resolved to assume a lighter style of dress 
and manners, and to borrow their taste in those respects from 
their new friends. * '■' * The colonel of the regiment, whO' 
was a man of fashion and family, and possessed talents for 
both good and evil purposes, was young and gay, and being 
lodged in the house of a very wealthy citizen, who had before, 
in some degree, affected the newer modes of living, so capti- 
vated him with his good breeding and affability, that he was 
ready to humor any scheme of diversion which the colonel and 
his associates proposed. Under the auspices of this gallant 
commander, balls began to be concerted, and a degree of flutter 
and frivolity to take place, which was as far from elegance as 
it was from the honest, artless cheerfulness of the meetings 
usual among them." 

The first theatrical performance given at Albany, a private aft"air 
by the British officers quartered here for the winter, is criticised 
by Mrs. Grant in her '' Memoirs "' as follows : " Now the very 
ultimatum of degenerac}'. in the opinion of those simple good 
people, was approaching ; for now the officers, encouraged by 
the success of all their projects for amusement, resolved to 
new-fashion and enlighten those amiable novices whom their 
former schemes had attracted within the sphere of their influ- 
ence ; and for this purpose a private theatre was fitted up and 
preparations made for acting a play. " " '•' The play 

* >;= * ^^.^j. ^p^(.fi jj-, ^ barn and ])retty well attended. 

* * '■' It was the Beaux' Stratae'em, no favorable specimen 
of the delicacy or morality of the British theatre ; and for t^^c 
wit it contained very little of that was level to the comprehen- 
sion of the novices who were there first initiated into a knowleds"e 
of the magic of the scene. ''' " * They laughed very heartily 
at seeing the gay young ensigns, whom they had been used to 




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No. 24. SV13RANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. 253 



1757-1758. 



dance with, flirting fans, displaying great hoops, and, with 
painted cheeks and colored eyebrows, sailing about in female 
habiliments. '•' * * The fame of their exhibition went 
abroad, and opinions were formed of them no way favorable 
to the actors or to the audience. In this region of reality, 
where rigid truth was always undisguised, they had not learned 
to distinguish between fiction and falsehood. It was said that 
the officers, familiar with every vice and every disguise, had 
not only spent a whole night in telling lies in a counterfeited 
place, the reality of which had never existed, but that they 
were themselves a lie, and had degraded manhood and broken 
through an express prohibition in Scripture by assuming female 
habits; that they had not only told lies, but cursed and swore 
the whole night, and assumed the characters of knaves, fools, 
and robbers, which every good and wise man held in detesta- 
tion, and no one would put on unless they felt themselves easy 
in them. Painting their faces, of all other things, seemed 
most to violate the Albanian ideas of decorum, and was looked 
upon as a most flagrant abomination. Great and loud was the 
outcry produced by it. Little skilled in sophistry, and strangers 
to all the arts ' that make the worse appear the better reason,' 
the young auditors could only say ' that indeed it was very 
amusing, made them laugh heartily, and did harm to nobody.' 
So harmless, indeed, did this entertainment appear to the new 
converts of fashion, that The Recruiting Officer was given 
out for another night."' Winter of 1757. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis van Sante, Volckert 
P. Douw, I. John R. Bleecker. John Beekman (Beeckman. 
Jun.), II. Abraham Douw, Johannis H. Ten Eyck, III. Elec- 
tion Sept. 29; sworn in, , Oct. 14. 



1758. 



Lord Howe and his 56th Regiment pitch camp at Wolven 
Hoeck. opposite the lower end of Albany, between Volckert 
Petrus Douw's one-and-a-half-story wood and brick house 
and the river shore, the holes where the soldiers suspended 
their camp-kettles, remaining visible evidence for many years 
(until 1875), and while breaking in his troops surprises his 
brother officers by his abandonment of much useless extrava- 
gant paraphernalia for the march, such as table service, also 



254 SVr.RANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. No. 24. 



1758. 



while awaiting orders to march northward through the woods 
to Canada, he introduces the noveUy of blackening the muskets 
to prevent glitter and shows the men how to make woolen 
leggins to prevent underbrush from cutting their lower clothing, 
meanwhile riding on horseback daily to breakfast with the 
Schuylers at the Flatts, Ti^ine. 

Gen. James Abercrombie's British army encamped in "' the Pasture '' 
south of the city and some across the river, June. 

It was at tills time that an event of national renown transpired. — 
the composing of the satirical song, " Yankee Doodle." While 
Gen. James Abercrombie's British army is encamped across the 
river, pitching tents along the Greenbush shore from Fort 
Crailo southward to Douw's Point, preparatory to first recruit- 
ing and then marching northward to Ticonderoga to attack 
Montcalm who had been advancing with French troops from 
Canada, the various sorts of local troopers pouring in to join 
his ranks amaze and amuse the British officers, among whom is 
Dr. Shackburg (or Shuckburgh ) the surgeon. The rough 
farmers from hereabouts and adjacent colonies, of all ages and 
conditions, are a motley throng as they stand beside the British 
troops, some wearing long coats, some abbreviated, and others 
none at all ; the color of their raiment of all hues ; their hair 
cropped, or on some falling to the shoulder. The surgeon 
(seated by the well in the rear of Fort Crailo, it is said) who 
was a musician as well as the wit of the army corps, grasps the 
humorous situation at once and composes a tune that he calls 
" Yankee Doodle," which he recommends to the British music 
corps as good martial music to march by, and it is played by 
them to the amusement of the British particularly, who little 
think of the chagrin to be theirs when the same tune is played 
and sung later at Bunker Hill to thrill American troops fighting 
against the British, and again when Lord Cornwallis marched 
his army into the American lines to surrender, June, 1758. 

Lord George Augustus Scrope, Viscount Howe (born in 1724), 
commanding the 56th Regiment of the British army, killecl in a 
sharp engagement against the French at Fort Ticonderoga, 

July 6. 

General Abercrombie defeated at Ticonderoga by ^lontcalm, July 8. 

Capt. Philip Schuyler (later General) brings the body of his inti- 
mate and beloved brother officer, Lord Howe, to his home at 
the Flatts, at Watervliet, July 10. 

Gen. James Abercrombie makes a successful attack on Fort Carillon, 
held by the French at Ticonderoga, and. falls back on Fort 
William Henry, fulv. 




LORD HOWE'S BURIAL. 
The record in St. Peter's old " Church Book", made on Sept. 5, 
1758, shows that Lord Howe was buried there. He was killed at Trout 
Brook on July 6th. 



No. 24. SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. 255 



1758-1759. 



Col. John Bradstreet, having left with 3,000 soldiers, the two Albany 
companies commanded by Capts. Peter Yates and Goosen Van 
Schaick, Fort Frontenac, at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, 
surrenders, Aug. 27. 

"George Augustus Scrope, Lord Viscount Howe (born in Ireland, 
1724) buried in St. Peter's Church (according to veritable 
entry in the " Church Book ") expense of burial for pall, etc., 
5 pounds 6 shillings. Sept, 5. 

New Scotland settled by Tennis Slingerland (9,879 acres). 

Birth of Gen. Philip Schuyler's daughter Margarita (who later 
marries Stephen \'an Rensselaer, the Patroon). Sept. 19. 

Mrs. Dimcan McVickar leaves Laggan, Scotland, to bring her 
daughter Anne to join Mr. McVickar in America, to locate at 
Albany (the daughter later becoming Mrs. Grant, writing of 
Airs. Philip Schuyler in " Memoirs of an American Lady," 
published in London in 1808), he being an officer in the British 
army and arriving the previous year. 

•Charter election. Common Council : Johannis van Sante, A'olckert 
P. Douw, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Jacob Ja. Lansing, II. xVbraham 
Douw, Johannis H. Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn 
in, Oct. 14. 



1759. 



City raises $5,000 by lottery, January. 

Lord Amherst's army encamped at Albany, May. 

French forces abandon forts at Ticonderoga and Crown Point' before 
the advance of Lord Amherst's army, and he takes posses- 
sion, Ji-i^V- 

Montreal falls to the British arms and General Wolfe, on the Plains 
of Abraham, overcomes the French army of General Montcalm 
at Quebec, thus ensuring British dominion from Quebec to 
New York city, Sept. 13. 

Rev. Theodorus Frielinghuysen resigns pastorate of the Dutch 
Church and sails for Holland, in the fall. 

Albany society (with a library), organized. 

Charter election. Common Council : Johannis van Sante, Sybrant 
(G.) Van Schaick, Jun., I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Jacob Lansing, 
Jun., II. Abraham Douw, X'olckert (P.) Douw, HI. Election, 
Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14. 



256 SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. No. 24. 



1760-1761. 
1760. 



Common Council agrees to issue a license on petition of Presby- 
terians for establishment of a church at Albany. April 3. 

Lieut. -Gov. James cle Lancey, who had been the acting Governor 
of the province for many years, found expiring in his library 
chair at his home in New York city, ' July 30. 

James de Lancey is buried beneath his pew in the middle aisle of 
Trinity Church at an imposing ceremonial at night, July 31. 

First municipal act to obtain a piped water-supply, Aug. 3. 

Following the death on the 30th ult. of Lieut. -Gov. James de 
Lancey, Cadwallader Colden (b. Ireland, Feb. 17, 1688), being 
senior member of the Council, is called to administer the 
affairs of the Province of Xew York, Aug. .\. 

Birthday of King George IL celebrated by a bonfire towards which 
the city contributes wood valued at $15. Oct. 30. 

Rev. Eilardus Westerlo succeeds Rev. T. Frielinghuysen as pastor, 
in the fall of this year. 

Rev. Ihomas Brown, deputy-chaplain of the 60th Regiment 01 
Royal Americans, supplies the pulpit of Rev. John Ogilvie 
(a graduate of Yale and who was made rector of St. Peter's 
Church in March, 1749) while the latter is with his army, 
commencing Dec. 21. 

Charter election. Common Council : John Henry Lydius, Barent H. 
Ten Eyck, L Jacob Ten Eyck, Jacob Lansing, IL Cornells 
Ten Broeck, Flarmanus Wendell, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn ill, Oct. 14. 



1761. 



Schuyler Mansion, at the head of Schuyler street, the scene later 
of visits from Washington, Lafayette, Baron Steuben, Count 
De Rocliaiubeau, Benjamin Franklin, Aaron Burr and other 
notables ( and where occurred the marriage of Alexander Ham- 
ilton and Elizabeth Schuyler on Dec. 14, 1780, as well as that 
of President Fillmore), built by Col. John r)radstreet for the 
wife of Gen. Philij) Schuyler while he is in I'jigland. 

Fine of $50 for allowing slaves to beg. 

\'olckert Petrus Douw commissioned the Mayor of Albany, by 
Lieut. -Gov. Cadwallad'^r Colden. 

• • • 
(See Xo. 25.) 




< 






No. 25. 



Unlrk^rt P^trua inmu. 



Sept. 29, 1761 — Sept. 9, 1770. 



No. 25. 
\'OLCKERT PETRI'S D( )UW. 

Date of office: September 29, 1761-September 9, 1770. 

Appointed by: Lieutenant-Governor Caclwallader Golden. 

Date of birth: March 23, 1720. 

Place of birth: " Wolven-Hoeck," Greenbush (Rensselaer). 

Parents: Petrus ( D. ) and Anna \'an Rensselaer. 

Education: Good schooling. 

Married to: (a) Anna De Peyster ( dau. of i6th Mavor). 
(b) Alar}tje Cadwees. 

Date: (a) Alay 20, 1742. 
(b) 1762. 

Children: (9-3 s. 6 d. ) Anna (b. 1743, m. Dirck Ten Broeck, 21st 
Mayor). Ragel ( b. 1744, ni. Hendrick J. \'an Rensselaer). 
Myndert Schuyler ( b. 1746), ^lagdalena (b. 1748, d. y.), 
Alagxlalena (b. 1750, m. John Stephenson), Catarienna (b. 
1751. m. Harinanus Hoffman), John De Peyster ( b. 1754, 
d. y.), Johannes De Peyster (b. 1756, m. ist Debora Beeck- 
man. 2(1 Margaret Livirigston, 3d Gatherine D. Gansevoort), 
Maria ( b. 1760. m. John De Peyster Ten Eyck). 

Residence: " ^^"olven-Hoeck,"" Greenbush. 

Occupation: Public offices. Merchant. 

Relij^ion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: March 20, 1801. 

Place of death: Wolven-Hoeck. 

Place of burial : Wolven-Hoeck ; later Albany Rural Gemetcry. 

Title: Gaptain. 

Ronarks: Alderman, 1749. Recorder, 1750-60. Gaptain of 
militia, -1755 (Battle of Lunenburg). Presiding Judge 
Gourt of Gommon Pleas. October 2. 1757-May, 1775. 
Golonial Assembly, 1759-66. Lidian Gommissioner, 1774. 
Gommittee of Safety. Ma}- 4, 1775. IMember of first Provin- 
cial Gongress, May 23, 1775 ; Vice-President. First Judge 
of Gounty Gourt, i778-]March 26, 1781. Gommissar\- of 
Northern Army, 1779. Senate, 1785-93. 




25. VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUVV. 
1761-1770. 
From a wax medallion owned in 1904 by Mr. J. Townsend Lansing of 



Albany. 



No. 25. VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. 259 

1761-1762. 

(Continued from No. 24.) 
1761. 



Volckert Petrus Douw sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding 
Sybrant Gozen Van Schaick, having been commissioned such 
by Lieut. -Gov. Cadwallader Golden. 

City corporation resolves to tax making of freeman or the permission 
to do business as a merchant. 3 pounds, 12 shillings, and to tax 
those wishing- to manufacture i pound, 16 shillings, of which 
the mayor is to retain 12 shillings and the clerk, for affixing 
seal to the license, i shilling ; but those born in Albany, on 
attaining 21 years, to be allowed license on paying 2 shillings. 

Presbyterians of Albany organizing as a society and petition for 
right to erect a church. 

Philip Reyley engaged to care during one year for the town clock, 
for 6 pounds. 

Charter election, Common Council : Barent H. Ten Eyck, Peter 
Lansing, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Frans Pruyn, H. Cornells Ten 
Broeck, N'^olckert (P.) Douw, IIL Election, Sept. 29; sworn 
in, Oct. 14. 

Old (or first) city seal (octagonal and bearing letters ALB.) aban- 
doned by Common Council, Oct. 16. 

Ma j. -Gen. Robert Monckton begins his administration as governor 
of the Province of New York, Oct. .26. 

Cadwallader Golden administers as lieutenant-eovernor, Nov. 18. 



1762. 



North bounds of city marked by Patroon's street (Clinton ave.). 

Common Council orders a new fire-engine of the fifth size, made by 
Richard Newsham, of London, Eng., March 6. 

Presbyterian society given permission by Lord Amherst to use 
forage-house, near the fort, as place of worship, March 7. 

Common Council resolves to take down the gallows standing on 
Gallows hill (south of th° fort and west of South Pearl st.) 
and the land being divided into acre lots, sold at a public vendue 
for a term of 21 years, July 26. 

Gen. Pierre A'an Cortlandt (who marries Catherine, eldest daughter 
of Gov. George Clinton) born, Aug. 29. 



26o VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. No. 25. 

1762-1763. 



City grants to Presbyterian society for purposes of erecting a churcii, 
a lot at northwest corner of Hudson avenue and William street, 
by Rynland measure, along the north side 30 feet, west side 
192 feet, east side 132 feet, south side 148 feet, being in the 
First ward, Sept. 2. 

Charter election, Common Council: Sybrant, (G.) Van Schaick, 
Jun., Peter Lansingh, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Hendrick M. Rose- 
boom, 11. Cornelis Ten Broeck, Volckert (P.) Douw^ III. 
Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Maj.-Gen. Robert Monckton administers again as governor of the 
Province of New York, June 14. 



1763. 



Common Council resolves that five tickets of the New York lottery 
be purchased for the benefit of the city's funds and that Mayor 
Douw take them to New York to present on the day of drawing. 
He does so, and receiving 4 pounds 5 shillings as the proceeds 
of one ticket (the other four proving to be blanks) he pays this 
sum to the city clerk, Jan. 10. 

City purchases James Nox, a bond-servant of William Brefit for 9 
pounds, that he may serve as the public whipper for remainder 
of his term of service, February. 

Fire-engine, to be operated by hand-pumping (the second — first 
in 1732) purchased by Harmse Gansevoort in England at cost 
of $397.50, and arrives at Albany, March. 

Common Council directs that the sum of 58 pounds 19 shillings and 
6 pence be paid for the new fire-engine, April. 

Thirty-one firemen in the city, May. 

Cadwallader Colden a 3rd time succeeds to office of Lieut. -Governor, 
and begins administering affairs of the Province of New York 
as its executive, June 28. 

Birth of Gen. Philip Schuyler's son, John Bradstreet Schuyler, 
(named after his intimate friend) on whom the General later 
bestows his Saratoga (Schuylerville) estate, on marriage 
(marrying Elizabeth, daughter of Patroon Stephen Van Rens- 
selaer in 1787), July 12. 

Charter election. Common Council: Sybrant (G.) Van Schaick, 
Tun., Peter Lansingh, L Johannis Cuyler, John R. Bleecker,- 
"H. Cornelis Ten Broeck, Abraham Yates, Jun., III. Election, 
Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 




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No. 25. VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. 261 



1763-1764. 



Common Council buys 48 leather fire-buckets to be passed from 
wells at time of fire, each one of the six aldermen and six assist- 
ants to keep four at his house in readiness to bring forth, 

November. 

Dutch Reformed Church established at Berne. 



1764. 



Mrs. Anne Grant writes her " Memoirs of an American Lady,'' 
meaning Mrs. Philip Schuyler (to be published in 1808 at 
London) bemg located at Albany several years although of 
Laggan, Scotland. 

Stephen Van Rensselaer (second of the name and the 7th Patroon) 
marries Catherine Livingston, daughter of Philip Livingston a 
Signer of the Declaration of Independence (who have three 
children born to them — Stephen, b. Nov. i, 1764; Philip 
Schuyler, b. April 15, 1766, becoming the 32nd Mayor of 
Albany; Elizabeth, marrying John Bradstreet Schuyler, 1787, 
the son of Gen. Philip Schuyler), January. 

Volckert P. Douw buys a negro woman, Phoebe, and three children, 
paying Benjamin Ashley, on the Delaware, $500 for them. 

Gallows Hill, at head of State street, 11 acres, sold to Capt. Cort- 
landt Schuyler for $1,000 and quit rent of 50 shillings yearly 
forever, July 31. 

Rev. Thomas Brown succeeds Rev. John Ogilvie (who becomes 
rector of Trinity Church in New York city) as the rector of St. 
Peter's. 

Charter election. Common Council : Peter Lansingh, Sybrant ( G. ) 
Van Schaick, L John Cuyler, John R. Bleecker, IL Abraham 
Yates, Jun., Cornelis TenBroeck, IIL Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Birth of Stephen Van Rensselaer, third of the name and son of the 
7th Patroon who had in January married Catherine Livingston, 

Nov. I. 

Common Council declares the deed to Capt. C. Schuyler for Gallows 
Hill null and void, and sells the property to Abraham Wendell, 

Dec. 20. 



262 VOLCKERT PETRI'S DOUW. No. 25. 

1765. 



1765. 

Van Rensselaer Manor House (the 3rd edifice of the family at 
Albany) built by Stephen \"an Rensselaer under the direction 
of his guardian, Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, on the east side of 
the Troy Road at the head of Broadway, as a home to which to 
bring his bride, Catherine, daughter of Philip Livingston 
(Signer of the Declaration), and to be in keeping with the 
estates of a Lord of the Manor. 

Union Lodge, the first lodge of Free and Accepted Masons con- 
stituted at Albany, organized by warrant from the Provincial 
Grand Master, George Harrison, installing Peter W. Yates as 
its worshipful master, paragraphs from its by-laws reading: 
" Every one who shall be made a Mason in this Lodge is to pav 
three pounds 4s for the Fund and one Dollar to the Tyler, for 
which he shall be entitled to the three degrees without further 
expence. '■' * * The Senior warden shall every lodge night 
acquaint the master when it is ten o'clock, then ye lodge is to 
be closed unless in cases of extra business, and on lodge even- 
ings no member under a fine of one shilling shall have more 
drink than for six pence in the lodge-room without the Master's 
consent," Feb. 27. 

Ordinances passed fining owner of a chimney that catches afire jo 
shillings ; any member of the city guard discovering a fire 
entitled to a reward of 3 pounds ; that two persons in each 
ward be appointed to view chimneys, hearths and ash-places ; 
that each house-holder having two fire-places own two buckets 
marked with initials, and that anyone retaining the bucket of 
another 48 hours after a fire be fined 10 shillings ; furthermore, 
that all persons place 3 candles in the front windows during 
progress of a fire, riot, or other night alarm, or sufifer penalty 
of 3 shillings, and no one be allowed to clean any chimney 
except an authorized city-sweep. Oct. 14. 

Charter election. Common Council: Peter Lansingh, Sybrant (G.) 
Van Schaick, L John R. Bleecker, Jacob Lansing, IL Corne- 
lius TenBroeck, Abraham Yates, Jun., HL Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Stamp Act passed by Parliament in 1764, requiring notes, deeds, 
bonds and all business documents to be written or printed on 
paper stamped by the British government, angers the people 
of the Province of New York, as on the day of its becoming 



No. 25. VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. 263 

1765-1767. 

operative the citizens of New York city burn an effigy of 
Lieutenant-Governor Golden, the administrator of the Province 
of New York. Nov, ]. 

Sir Henry Moore begins his administration of the Province of New 
York as governor, Nov. 13. 

Sir WilHam Johnson, by letter, warns Lords of Trade that the 
" Stamp Act " has created anew the strong desire of the 
colonists for a democratic system of government, such as had 
been proposed at the Golonial Gongress at Albany in 1654. and 
unless this spirit be checked the idea of liberty and independence 
would gain ground beyond control, Nov. 22. 



1766. 



Gommon Gouncil determines to erect three stone docks, the north 
one 80 feet long and 40 feet broad ; the middle one, at foot of 
Maiden Lane, to be 80 feet long and 30 feet broad ; south dock, 
about ofif the Gity Hall, to measure same as the middle one, 

March 4. 

Followers of the Swiss reformer, Ulric Zwingli, organize a society 
of German Reformed church and are granted land for edifice on 
the Wouts Burgh (the hill north of the fort). Oct. 13. 

Gity deeds to Samuel Stringer for the purpose of erecting thereon 
a lodge-building, a plat of ground " on the Hill near the Fort 
adjoining the English Burying place" (north-west corner of 
Lodge street and Maiden Lane), Oct. 18. 

Charter election, Gommon Gouncil : Peter Lansing, Henry L Bo- 
gert, L John R. Bleecker, Jacob J. Lansing, H. Abraham 
Yates, Jacob Van Schaick, HL Election, Sept. 29; sworn in. 

Oct. 14. 



1767. 



Right to use and rent the city's new stone docks until Jan. i, 1768, 
sold at public vendue to Gysbert Marsells and John Alen for 
70 pounds, March 28. 

General refusal to purchase English goods because of duties. 

Albany families number 148 on the Patroon's map. 

Jack, negro of James Sterling, indicted for murder. 



264 VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. No. 25. 



1767-1768. 



Charter election. Common Council: Peter Lansing, Henry I. Bo- 
gert, I. Jacob J- Lansing, John R. Bleecker, IL Abraham 
Yates. Jun.. Abraham TenBroeck. IIL Election. Sept. 29; 
SAvorn in, Oct. 14. 

W arrant given by Henry Andrew Francken. deputy grand inspector- 
general of all the superior degrees of Masons in the West In- 
dies and North America, constituting " William Gamble, 
Francis Joseph von Pfister, Thomas Swords, Thomas Lynott 
and Richard Cartwright into a Regular Lodge of Perfection, 
by the name of Ineffable," Dec. 20. 

L^nion Lodge makes a procession, with four of the Ineft'able Lodge, 
through the main streets, Dec. 28. 



1768. 



Masters' Lodge, Number 2, York Rite, organized, with William 
Gamble as its first Master ; Samuel Stringer as Senior Warden, 
and Jeremiah Van Rensselaer as its Junior Warder, March 5. 

Union Lodge does not accede to the proposition made by the In- 
effable Body to construct and have a joint right in a lodge 
building (the latter occupying rooms in the inn of Richard 
Cartwright, to whom each member paid one shilling on lodge 
night, the society providing candles) and it is agreed to accept 
the proposal of Peter Sharp to construct a lodge-building at a 
cost of 300 pounds, Feb. 23. 

Samuel Stringer buys of Union Lodge the lot obtained from the 
city in 1 766, 74 feet on west side of Lodge street and 79 feet 
along north side of Maiden Lane, for 4 English pounds, Feb. 27. 

City conveys to Samuel Stringer 6 feet additional, along east side 
of the plat, which measures 70 feet along its north side, and 
work on building is begun, April t. 

Corner-stone of Masters and Ineffable Lodge laid, May 12. 

Masters and Ineffable (styled Union while building) Lodges' edifice 
completed, Jnne 24. 

Charles Newman & Sons (woolen merchants) established on South 
Market street (Broadway) by Charles Newman. 

St. Peter's church granted a charter by Gov. Henry Moore. July 13. 

Rev. Thomas Brown removes from Albany and is succeeded by Rev. 
Henry Munro as rector of St. Peter's church. 



l\o. 25. 



VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. 265 



1768-1770. 



Charter election. Common Council : Peter Lansing, John Rooreback, 
I. Jacob J. Lansing, John R. Bleecker, IL Abraham Yates, 
Jun.', Abraham TenBroeck, IIL Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1769. 



Professional theatrical performers allowed by Governor Moore to 
come to Albany to play during one month, and the hospital or 
Pine street (near site of Lutheran church) having been fitted 
with a stage, the first play, " Venice Preserved," is given by 
Lewis Haliam, Jr., John Henry, Mr. Woods, Miss Cheer and 
others, July .3 

Death of Gov. Henry Moore. 

Cadwallader Golden begins his administration as lieutenant-gov- 
ernor of the Province of New York, Sept. 12. 

Charter election. Common Council : Peter Lansingh, John Rore- 
back, I. John R. Bleecker. Abraham C. Cuyler, H. Abraham 
Yates, Jun., Abraham Ten Broeck, UT. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1770. 

Gloucester county partitioned from Albany, ]\Iarch 16. 

Abraham Cornells Cuyler commissioned the ]\Iayor of Albany by 
Lieut. -Gov. Cadwallader Golden. 

• • • 

(See No. 26.) 



No. 26. 



Ahraljam Olnrn^ltH Qlugbr. 



Sept. lO, 1770 — April 16, 1775. 



No. 26. 
ABRAHAiAl CORNELIS CUYLER. 

Date of office: September 10, 1770-April 16, 1778. 

Appointed by: Lieutenant-Governor Cadwallader Golden. 

Date of birth: April 11, 1742. 

Parents: Gornelis (G. — 20th Mayor) and Gatharina Schuyler (dau. 
of lOth flavor ). 

Education: Good schooling". 

Married to: Jannetje Glen. 

Date: April 16, 1764. 

Children: (5-3 s. 2 d.) Gathalina (b. 1765), Jacob (b. 1766), Elisa- 
beth (b. 1767), Gornelis (b. 1769), Jacob Glen (b. 1773). 

Residence: West side No. Pearl st.. site of " North " Dutch Ghurch. 

Occupation: Military. 

Religio)i: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: February 5, 1810. 

Place of death: Yorkfield, Ganada. 

Title: Golonel. 

Remarks: Golonel of militia. Zealous in his dealings and of integ- 
rity. Last Mayor by Royal Gommission. 




CUYLER .MANSION— VLIE HOUSE. 

This house, so called to signify ' House by the Marsh," was erected by Hendrick Cuyler 
on the Greenbush shore, about 1770 (some records place it 50 years earlier), and was standing, 
south 01 Fort Crailo, in good preservation in 1906. 



jSIo. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 269 



1770-1771. 



(Continued from No. 25.) 
1770. 



Col. Abraham Cornells Cuyler is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, 
succeeding- \'olckert Petrus Douw, having received appoint- 
ment from Lieut.-Gov. Cadwallader Colden, Sept. 10. 

Survey of the city made by Robert Yates. 

Four docks built along the river. 

Charter election, Common Council: Peter Lansingh, John Roor- 
back, I. Guysbert G. Marselis, John R. Bleecker, II. Abraham 
Yates, Jun., Abraham TenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, made Governor of New York 
' Province, Oct. 19. 

Sloop Olive Branch, the first to sail from here for the West Indies, 
sets out, Nov. 3. 

City sells all remaining land (a few farms having been released ! 
of ttte tract bought by Hendrick \^an Rensselaer, six miles 
square along Hoosac river, from the Schaghticoke Indians, for 
less than $1,000, to Johannes Knickerbaker, bargaining, "for 
- which the said Knickerbaker is to find the said corporation 
and their successors with Meat, Drink, and Lodging once a 
year at his- house at Schactacook." 



1771. 



Public lighting of the streets attempted by the placing of twenty 
oil lamps at various points. 

Population of the Colony of New York at this time 163,337. 

Population of Albany county (before greatly reduced in area by 
forming several other counties from it at later dates) 38,829 
white, 3,877 black and a total of 42,706 at this time. 

William Tryon made Governor of New York Province, July 9. 

Charter election, Common Council : Peter Lansingh, Peter Silves- 
ter, I. Guysbert Marselis, Robert Yates, II. Abraham Yates, 
Jun., John Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in. 

Oct. 14. 



270 AEl^VHAM CORXELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1771-1772. 

First Albany newspaper, " The Gazette," published by Alexander 
and James Robertson, one-fourth the size of the newspaper 
sheet of a century later, Nov. 

Milestones placed along the highway to Schenectady as far as the 
Half- Way House, beginning at the Reformed Dutch Church 
standing in the middle of the street, a little to the west of 
the intersection of Yonkers (State) street and INIarket street 
(Broadway). 



1772. 



The printers of the " Albany Gazette '" apologize to the public for the 
non-appearance of the publication because the paper was not 
supplied by the New York stage with any regularity, and also 
because the paper was frozen into one mass by the heavy fall 
of snow, Jan. 13. 

Tryon and Charlotte counties formed from lands set off from Al- 
bany county as a means to expedite public business, such as 
attention of court duties, which forced the inhabitants to come 
several hundred miles to Albany when attending to causes or 
filing documents, Charlotte county being established between 
the northern boundary of Albany county and Canada, Tryon 
becoming as Montgomery county, March 12. 

"Albany Gazette " starts publication of meteorological tables. 

Manor of Rensselaerswyck erected into a district, March 24. 

Col. Philip Schuyler and Gen. John Bradstreet jointly interested in 
the purchase, with Rutger Bleecker and Gen. John Morin Scott, 
of a tract of 22,000 acres in the INTohawk valley, known as 
Cosby 's Manor (the city of Utica later built within it), origi- 
nally granted to William Cosby, Provincial Governor of New 
York, by royal patent, sold by the sheriff" to the four in Schuy- 
ler's name. 

General Tryon, Governor of the Province, visits the city, and the 
corporation banquets him at Cartwright's Tavern, July 20. 

A book store established at the " Elm Tree Corner " by Stuart 
Wilson, to be converted later into the Blue Belle Tavern, north- 
west corner of Pearl and State streets. 

Charter election. Common Council : Gerrit Van Sante, Peter W. 
Yates, I. Guysbert Marselis, Robert Yates, Jun., II. Abraham 
Yates, Jun., John Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn 
in, Oct. 14. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 27 1 



1773-1774. 



1773. 

Vlie House, " The House by the ^larsh," built by Hendrick Cuyler 
on the east bank of the Hudson river half a mile above Douw's 
Point, two stories and an attic of brick, Colonial architecture, 
its fireplace tiled with Biblical scenes of Holland production 
and huge oaken beams extending across the main hall (later 
occupied by a Van Rensselaer family). 

Charter election. Common Council: Peter W. Yates, Gerrit Van 
Sante, I. Guysbert G. Marselis, Robert Yates, H. John Ten 
Broec'k, Thomas Hun, HI. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1774. 



Mother Ann Lee arrives here from Manchester, Eng., and settfmg 

about four miles to the west of the city, founds the Shakers. 
Cadwallader Golden again made Lieutenant-Governor of the 
Colony, April 7. 

Sir William Johnson (b. at Warrentown, County Down, Ireland, 
1715), frequently a conspicuous figure in this city bearing on 
transactions with the Indians in the warfare against the French 
of Canada, dies near Johnstown, N. Y., July 4- 

First Continental Congress held at Philadelphia to consider griev- 
ances against the British rule. Sept. 5. 
Charter election. Common Council: Peter W. Yates, Gerrit van 
Sante, I. Robert Yates, Guysbert G. Marselis, II. John Ten 
Broeck, Thomas Hun, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 
In accordance with the views of the Continental Congress held at 
Philadelphia on September 5th where the discussion was of the 
grievances of the colonists at Great Britain's policy of impos- 
ing taxes upon them without their consent, the freeholders of 
Albany assemble, and John Barclay having been made chair- 
man, proceed to appoint a Committee of Superintendence and 
Correspondence. November. 

Although by Act of the Assembly of Nov. 11, 1692, it was ordamed 
that two fairs be held yearly in the county of Albany, one in 
the city of Albany and one at Crawlier in Rensselaerswyck, the 



2/2 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1774-1775. 



records do not show that any had been held until the Common 
Council's order that the High Constable appoint two constables 
to attend the ferry during the time of the fair, Nov. 7. 

Gen. John Bradstreet (buried in Trinity churchyard, New York 
city), an intimate friend of Col. Philip Schuyler, at whose 
house he had frequently made lengthy visits and after whom 
Schuyler named his son (Schuyler also named as his executor), 
feeling his end approaching sends for Colonel Schuyler and his 
daughter Margarita, who arrive in time and he breathes his 
last held by her arms, Sept. 25. 

Rev. Thomas Brown, rector of St. Peter's Church, having moved 
from this city, he is succeeded by Rev. Henry Munro. 



1775. 



In the House of the Assembly (previous to the Colonial Legislature) 
Col. Philip Schuyler moves declaratory resolutions that the 
Act IV of King George III., imposing duties for raising a 
revenue in America and depriving His Majesty's subjects in 
the colonies the right of trial by jury were great grievances, 
and his resolution is carried by a vote of 7 to 2 by the Q 
present of the 24 members, many being kept away by the hard- 
ship of attending at so great a distance, March 3. 

The Committee of Safety and Correspondence of Albany city and 
county meet at Richard Cartwright's Inn and select Col. Philip 
Schuyler, A])raham Yates, Jun., Col. Abraham Ten Broeck, 
Col. Peter R. Livingston and Walter Livingston the deputies 
to represent the city and county at the Provincial Congress to 
be held on April 20th at New York, which is to select dele- 
gates for tlie next Continental Congress to be held in May 
at Philadelphia. March 21. 

Battle of Lexington fought between the British army and the 
American colonists, eleven miles northwest of Boston in Mid- 
dlesex county, Massachusetts, the first bloodshed of the Ameri- 
can Revolution, 800 British soldiers under Colonel Smith hav- 
ing left Boston the previous night to take the military stores of 
Concord, the advance under Major Pitcairn confronted at Lex- 
ington Green by about fifty minute-men under Captain Parker, 
and this force dispersed with the loss of eight Americans 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 273 



1775. 



killed, the British proceeding to Concord where they are re- 
pulsed at the Concord bridge by the minute-men, whereupon 
Colonel Smith orders a retreat, and a running fire is kept up to 
Charlestown, the American forces in the meantime augmented 
constantly as they pursue the British along the highroad; the 
total British loss of the engagements amounting to 273 and 
of the American colonists 93. history recording the fighting 
at Concord as the Battle of Concord and of the entire day's 
engagements as the Battle of Lexington, April 19. 

Col. Philip Schuyler chosen among the delegates selected to rep- 
resent the Province of New York in the Continental Congress 
at Philadelphia in the following May, by New York's Colonial 
Congress held at New York city, April 20. 

News of the engagement of the British at Lexington on April 19th 
reaches Albany and stirs the entire population to action im- 
mediately, who seem to comprehend that this first bloodshed 
against the mother country was but the beginning of the great 
struggle for liberty that had been a cherished idea for some 
years, and the citizens determine at once that they must act 
a vigorous part. Accordingly a meeting is held without delay 
at John J. Lansing's Inn by the sub-committee of Corre- 
spondence, with Abraham Yates, Jun., acting as the chairman, 
the result of which gathering was the posting of a notice 
about the city reading as follows : " Whereas the various ac- 
counts that have been received of the extraordinary Commo- 
tions both in the Province of Massachusetts Bay and at New 
York made it indispensably necessary that the sense of the 
Citizens should be taken on the line of Conduct they propose 
to hold in this Critical Juncture, every Person therefore is 
most earnestly intreated to attend at the market-House in the 
third Ward (Broadway, near Maiden Lane, in centre of the 
street) at four o'clock this afternoon to give his Sentiments. 
It is expected that no Person whatever able to attend will be 
absent. Secondly. Resolved That the Chairman (Abraham 
Yates, Jun.,) sign the several Papers relative to this Day's 
Transaction. Thirdly. Resolved That the following Proposals 
be read to the Citizens at their intended meeting this after- 
noon : Are you willing to co-operate with our Brethren in New 
York and the several Colonies on the Continent in their oppo- 
sition to the Ministerial Plan now prosecuting against us^ 
Are you willing to appoint Persons to be Conjointly with others 
to be appointed by the Several Districts in this County a Com- 
mittee of Safety, Protection, and Correspondence, with full 



274 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. No. 26. 

1775. 



Power to Transact all such matters as they shall conceive may 
tend to the weal of the American Cause? If yea, who are the 
Persons you chuse to appoint?" May i. 

Following the meeting held at the Market-House, Lucas Cassidy is 
despatched to beat a drum through the streets, and John Os- 
trander to ring loudly a bell, summoning the inhabitants to the 
Market-House on No. Market street. The people coming there 
prove enthusiastic in the cause, and with one accord reply 
affirmatively to the appeal, whereupon a Committee of Safety, 
Protection and Correspondence is formed of Jacob Coenraedt 
Ten Eyck, Henry I. Bogart, Peter Silvester, Henry Wendell, 
Volckert Pietrus Douw, John Bay, and Gysbert Marselis, of the 
1st Ward; John R. Bleecker, Jacob Lansing, Jun., Jacob Cuyler, 
Henry Bleecker, Robert Yates, Stephen De Lancey and Abra- 
ham Cuyler, in the 2nd Ward; John H. Ten Eyck, Abraham 
Ten Broeck, Gerrit Lansingh, Jun., Anthony E. Bratt, Samuel 
Stringer, Abraham Yates, Jun., and Cornells Van Santvoordt, 
in the 3rd Ward, May i. 

The Committee of Safety having been legally formed, it writes to 
the Boston Committee, at the present seat of war^ as follows : 
" Gentlemen — While we lament the mournful event which has 
caused the Blood of our Bretheren in the Massachusetts Bay to 
fllow, we feel that satisfaction which every honest American 
must experience at the glorious stand you have made, we have 
an additional satisfaction from the consequences which we trust 
will [result] in uniting every American in Sentiments and Bonds 
which we hope will be indissoluble to our Enemies. This after- 
noon the Inhabitants of this City convened and unanimously 
renewed their former agreement that they would co-operate 
with our Brethren in New York and in the several Colonies 
on the Continent in their opposition to the Ministerial Plan 
now prosecuting against us, and also unanimously appointed a 
Committee of Safety, Protection, and Correspondence, with full 
power to transact all such matters as they shall conceive may 
tend to promote the weal of the American Cause. We have 
the fullest Confidence that every District in this extensive 
County will follow our Example. On the twenty-second In- 
stant a Provincial Congress will meet when we have not the 
least doubt but such effectual aids will be afiforded you, as will 
teach Tyrants and their Minions that as we were born free, 
we will live and die so, and transmit that inestimable Blessing 
to Posterity. Be assured Gentlemen that nothing on our Parts 
shall be wanting to evince that we are deeply impressed with a 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 275 



1775. 



sense of the necessity of Unanimity, and that we mean to Co- 
operate with you in this arduous struggle for Liberty to the 
utmost of our Power." Alay i. 

The patriots of Albany assemble and organize companies only three 
days after the announcement of the first hostilities of the 
Revolution, constituted of i captain, 2 lieutenants, I ensign, 
4 sergeants, 4 corporals, i drummer and 51 privates, a total of 
64 in each company. The formation as follows : First Ward, 
3 companies; ist Company, Capt. John Barclay, Lieuts. John 
Price and Stephen Van Schaick, Ensign Abraham I. Yates : 
2nd Company, Capt. John Williams, Lieuts. Henry Staats and 
Barent Van Alen, Ensign Henry Hogen ; 3rd Company, Capt. 
Thomas Bassett, Lieuts. Abraham Eights and Mattheus Viss- 
cher. Ensign John Hooghkerk. Third W^ard, ist Company, 
Capt. John Beeckman, Lieuts. Isaac De Freest and Abraham 
Ten Eyck, Ensign Cornelis Wendell ; 2nd Company, Capt. 
Harmanus Wendell, Lieuts. William Hun and Peter Ganse- 
voort, Jr., Ensign Teunis T. Van Vechten, May 4. 

Volckert P. Douw chosen a delegate to meet in General Congress on 
the 22nd at New York city. May 5. 

British surrender their fort at Ticonderoga to Col. Ethan Allen with 
his 150 undisciplined troops styled the " Green Mountain Boys," 
he being from henceforth one of the heroes of the Revolution 
(b. Litchfield, Conn., Jan. 10, 1738; d. Burlington, Vt., Feb. 13, 
1789), and this unexpected joyous news gives an impetus to 
the fighters for liberty. May 10. 

Two companies of volunteers are despatched at once to the fort at 
Ticonderoga in order to retain possession of the large number 
of cannon and other military stores taken by Col. Ethan Allen, 

May. 

Volckert Pietrus Douw, the next previous Mayor of Albany, elected 
Vice-President of the Provincial Congress by 70 present of the 
80 delegates, convened at New York city, May 23. 

The following compact being universally signed by the citizens of 
Albany : " A General Association agreed to and subscribed by 
the Members of the Several Committees of the City and County 
of Albany. — Persuaded that the Salvation of the Rights and 
Liberties of America depends under God on the firm Union of 
its Inhabitants in a vigorous prosecution of the Measures neces- 
sary for its Safety ; and convinced of the necessity of preventing 
Anarchy and Confusion which attend a Dissolution of the 
Powers of Government, We, the Freemen, Freeholders, and 



276 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1775. 



Inhabitants of the City and County of Albany, being greatly 
alarmed at the avowed Design of the Ministry to raise a Rev- 
enue in America; and shocked by the bloody scene now acting 
in the Massachusetts Bay, Do in the most Solemn Manner 
resolve never to become Slaves; and do associate under all the 
Ties of Religion, Honor and Love to our Country, to adopt 
and endeavour to carry into Execution whatever Measures may 
be recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon 
by our Provincial Convention for the purpose of preserving our 
Constitution, and opposing the Execution of the several arbi- 
trary and oppressive Acts of the British Parliament until a 
Reconciliation between Great Britain and America on Consti- 
tutional Principles (which we most ardently desire) can be 
obtained : And that we will in all things follow the Advice of 
our General Committee respecting the purposes aforesaid, the 
preservation of Peace and good order and the safety of Indi- 
viduals and Private Property," May 25. 

The Provincial Congress, in session at New York, unanimously 
resolves to recommend Col. Philip Schuyler to the Continental 
Congress as " the most proper person " in the Colony of New 
York to be appointed a major-general, June 7. 

Col. Philip Schuyler and Gen. George Washington appointed a com- 
mittee of the Constitutional Congress to prepare rules and regu- 
lations for the government of the army, June 14. 

Gen. George Washington appointed the Commander-in-Chief of the 
Continental forces, by the Continental Congress, June 15. 

The Continental Congress appoints Col. Philip Schuyler of Albany 
the third major-general of the United Colonies, June 19. 

Maj.-Gen. Philip Schuyler arrives at New York city to take com- 
mand of the Anny of the Northern Department, June 25. 

William Tryon arrives at New York city, having been sent over by 
the British government to be the Governor of the Province of 
New York, and receives the Great Seal ; but forthwith writes 
to the home government that troublous times are ahead and he 
perceives a decided coolness, as well as noting that no one may 
move about without a pass, June 25. 

William Tryon made the Governor of the Province, June 28. 

Negroes made subject to military duty by Congressional Act. 

General Washington arrives at Cambridge, Mass., and takes com- 
mand of the Continental army, July 2. 

Gov. William Tryon writes to the Earl of Dartmouth in England 
that he believes the inhabitants of New York city are satisfied 
with him to a certain extent, and explains the delicacy of his 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLEK. 2// 

1775. 

position as follows : " The general revolt that has taken place 
in the Colonies has put his Majesty's civil Governors in the 
most degraded situation, (being) left in the exercise of such 
feeble executive Powers as suit the present conveniences of the 
Country, and this dependant on the caprice of a moment. To 
attempt coercive measures by the civil aid would hold up (the) 
Government to additional contempt by the exposure of the 
weakness of the executive and civil Branches. * * * The 
communications through the Province, and, I understand, 
through the Continent are stopt. Every traveller must have a 
Pass from some Committee or some Congress," July 4. 

The Continental Congress appoints as a committee to treat with the 
Indians of the Six Nations, either to win them to the cause of 
the American colonists or to hold them neutral, Maj.-Gen. 
Philip Schuyler, Alaj. Joseph Hawley, Talbot Francis, Oliver 
Wolcott and Volckert P. Douw, July 13. 

The committee appointed in July by the Continental Congress in- 
vites the Indian sachems to come to Albany for consultation, 
and a series of conferences is held in the Dutch Church at the 
foot of Yonkers (State) street, Aug. 15 

At one of the conferences with the sachems a member of the Indian 
Commission for the Northern Department of the United Colo- 
nies addresses them in the Dutch Church in the following words 
(as narrated in Documentary Colonial History of New York, 
Vol. viii, pp. 616-619) • " Brothers, sachems and warriors of 
the six united nations, we, the delegates from the twelve united 
provinces now sitting in general congress at Philadelphia, send 
this speech to you, our brothers. We are sixty-five in number 
and have been appointed by the people throughout all these 
provinces and colonies to meet and set together in one great 
council to consult together for the common good of this land, 
and to speak and act for them. * * * -^Ye will now tell 
you of the quarrel between the counselors of King George and 
the inhabitants and colonies of America. Many of his coun- 
selors are proud and wicked men. They persuaded the king 
to break the covenant chain and not to send us any more good 
speeches. * * * They tell us now that they will slip their 
hands into our pockets, without asking, as if they were their 
own pockets, and will take at their pleasure from us our chart- 
ers, * * * oyj. plantations, our houses and goods, when- 
ever they please, without asking our permission. * * * We 
desire that you will hear and receive what we have already told 



278 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1775. 



you, and that you will now open a good ear and listen to what 
we shall further say to you. This is a family quarrel between 
us and Old Enoland. You Indians are not concerned in it. 
We do not want you to take up the hatchet against the king's 
troops. We desire that you remain at home and join neither 
party, but keep the hatchet deeply buried. * * * We are 
now twelve colonies united as one hand. Brothers, this is our 
union belt. By this belt we, the twelve united colonies, renew 
the old covenant chain by which our forefathers in their great 
wisdom thought proper to bind us and you our brothers of the 
six nations together when they first landed at this place. If 
any of the links of this great chain should have received any 
rust, we now brighten it, and make it shine like silver." August. 

Men straggling into the city from all over to form the Army of the 
North under Gen. Philip Schuyler ; but poorly prepared to con- 
stitute a fighting army, Aug. 20. 

Lieut. -Col. Philip Van Cortlandt arrives at Albany, Aug. 26. 

Lieut. -Col. Philip Van Cortlandt of the 4th N. Y. Regiment, 
Dutchess Co., describes graphically in a letter written from 
Albany the miserable outfits of the soldiers quartered here, 
as follows : " Dear Sir : — Agreeable to verbal orders received 
from Col [James] Holmes [of the Fourth Reg't], when last 
in New York, I made all the dispatch in my power to this 
place, where I arrived the 26th inst., finding Capt. Henry B. 
Livingston with his company in a small house in town. He 
wants many things — such as shoes, stockings, shirts, under 
cloths, haversacks and cash, having advanced all himself that 
has been paid his men as yet. The day I arrived came up the 
following captains with their companies : Capt. Herrick, Capt. 
Palmer, Capt. Horton and Capt. jNIills — all without blankets, 
except Capt. David Palmer — many of the men wanting shirts, 
shoes stockings, under cloths, and in short without any thing- 
fit for a soldier, except a uniform coat, and not more than thirty 
guns with four companies fit for service. They are now on 
board of the small boats that brought them up, having no 
place for them to go into, as there is not one tent that I can find 
for our battalion ; and three companies without blankets, and 
none to be had at this place. I do not know how to act, or 
what to do with them. They began to ask for cash and better 
lodgings, being much crowded in the small boats in which I 
am obliged to keep them. I this morning made application to 
the committee of Albany, who will do all in their power for me. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER, 2/9 

1775. 

which I believe, is but very little. I shall be much obliged to 
the Honourable Congress to send me with all convenient speed, 
arms, blankets, tents, shoes, stockings, haversacks, and cash by 
all means. I want to be going forward, where, by what I can 
learn, we shall be wanting if we can go soon, or not at all. 
The men say, ' give us guns, blankets, tents, &c., and we'll fig';t 
the devil himself, but do not keep us here in market-boats, as 
though we were a parcel of slieep or calves.' In short nothing 
can give me more pleasure than the arrival of the aforesaid 
articles." Aug. 28. 

Jlie chairman of the Albany committee encloses the letter of Lieut. - 
Col. F. Van Cortlandt in one of his to Peter Van Brugh Liv- 
ingston,, President of the Provincial Congress sitting in New 
York, writing as follows : " We expected when the army was 
once organized, we should not be so frequently called upon 
about matters not in our province. But the situation of Col. 
Van Cortlandt, and the men under his command, in a meas- 
ure obliges us to give him all the assistance in our power — 
not, however, that it is to be made a precedent of. The en- 
closed letter from Col. Van Cortlandt will show you the posture 
he is in, and the necessity of a speedy relief." Aug. 29. 

Col. (joose Van Schaick, in command of the 2nd N. Y. Regiment 
(Albany county militia) writes to the Provincial Congress that 
General Schuyler has stationed him at Albany in order to for- 
ward troops that arrive to Ticonderoga, and after describing 
how blankets and other essentials had to be furnished to Col. 
James Clinton's 3rd N. Y. Regiment, adds : " I should ever 
accuse myself of inhumanity and want of love to my country, 
should I be backward in giving you a true account of the situa- 
tion and distress of these companies, when I consider how much 
they are wanted at the forts above. I therefore look up to you, 
and beg that you will, without delay, send up such or so many 
arms, tents, blankets and other necessaries, as will supply those 
companies so that they may be forwarded with the greatest 
dispatch. * * ='' I am very happy, however, to inform you 
that notwithstanding the clamours and discontents of my men 
at first, there are at present nine of my companies up at Ticon- 
deroga, with the other two field officers (Lieut. -Col. Peter Yates 
and Major Peter Ganesvoort, Jun.) in actual service, and the 
last will march to-morrow." Aug. 29. 

The hospital and barracks up to this time filled with the Indians 
attending the conferences, the barns about the town too loaded 
with crops to accommodate any men, and the city crowded with 
a numerous concourse of strange people, but now the Indians 



28o ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. No. 26. 



1775. 



return to their castles bearing- presents in order to maintain 
friendly relations between the tribes and the colonists, Aug. 30. 

Gen. Richard Montgomery proceeds from Albany on his invasion 
of Canada, his main object being the capture of Montreal, 

August. 

Gen. Philip Schuyler receives orders to invade Canada with the 
Army of the Northern Department, September, 

An epidemic of disease among the Indians gives opportunity to the 
British to lead them to believe that the Great Spirit was scourg- 
ing them for not taking part with King George, as they had 
been taught to " fear God and honor the King;" this deceptive 
suggestion actually causing a deflection to the British among 
some tribes, Sept. 3. 

General Schuyler ill, embarks on a boat upon which he had im- 
provised a bed, and has himself taken to Isle aux Noix, 12 
miles south of St. John's, where, in a weak condition, he joins 
Gen. Richard Montgomery's expedition, Sept. 5. 

General Montgomery writes to his wife (Janet, the eldest child of 
Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, of Clermont) at their Rhine- 
beck farm : " Poor Schuyler is in so miserable a state of health 
as to make him an object of compassion," September. 

General Montgomery places St. John's, the fort protecting Montreal 
from invasion from the south, in a state of siege, Sept. 14. 

General Schuyler leaves General Montgomery and returns south- 
ward to the fort at Ticonderoga, Sept. 18. 

General Schuyler writes to General Washington : " I find myself 
much better, as the fever has left me, and hope soon to return 
where I ought and wish to be, unless a barbarous relapse should 
dash the cup of hope from my lips," Sept. 20. 

Despite his malarial illness, caused by unhealthy living in the forests 
without blankets or shelter at a rainy season. General Schuyler 
busily engages in collecting and forwarding supplies to the 
army marching under Montgomery to capture Montreal, 

Sept. 22, 

General Schuyler writes to the Continental Congress : " The vexa- 
tion of spirit under which I labor that a barborous complication 
of disorders should prevent me from reaping those laurels for 
which I have so unweariedly wrought, since I was honored 
with this command, the anxiety of mind I have suffered since 
my arrival here lest the army should starve, occasioned by a 
scandalous want of subordination and inattention to mv orders, 
in some of the officers that I left to command at the different 
posts ; the vast variety of disagreeable and vexatious incidents 
that almost every hour arise in some department or other, not 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 281 



1775. 



only retard my cure, but have put me considerably back for 
some days past. If Job had been a general in my situation his 
memory had not been so famous for patience. But the glorious 
end which we have in view, and which I have a confident hope 
will be attained, will atone for all." Sept. 25. 

General Montgomery writes to his wife : " General Schuyler's return 
to Ticonderoga has been a most fortunate affair. We should 
most certainly have been obliged to return half starved, and to 
leave the unfortunate Canadians to take care of themselves." 

September. 

General Montgomery writes to General Schuyler : " Your residence 
at Ticonderoga has probably enabled us to keep our ground. 
How much do the public owe you for your attention and 
activity." September. 

General Schuyler writes to the Provincial Congress : " My disorders 
have taken such deep root, that I now begin to have little hope 
of recovery so as to take an active part in the future operations 
of the campaign. I hope, however, that I shall not be obliged 
to leave this place, unhealthy and unfavorable to my recovery 
as it is, lest it should involve General Montgomery in irremedi- 
able inconveniences." October. 

Charter election, Common Council : Peter W. Yates, Gerrit Van 
Sante, I. Guysbert G. Marselis, John Jacob Beeckman, II. 
Thomas Hun, John TenBroeck. HI. This board suspended 
action, during war, until new board was elected (on April 17, 
1778; from April 18, 1776), October. 

General Montgomery, in a discouraged spirit, writes repeatedly dur- 
ing the month to General Schuyler about the insubordination 
of his troops, and finally : " I am exceedingly well pleased to 
see General Wooster here, both for the advantage of his service 
and upon my own account. For I must earnestly request to be 
suffered to retire, should matters stand on such a footing this 
winter as to permit me to go off with honor. I have not talents 
nor temper for such a command. * * * j y^{\\ bear it for a 
short time, but I cannot stand it long." Oct. 31. 

General Schuyler informs the Congress of General Montgomery's 
intentions to resign should he be able to do so with honor, 
because of insubordination of officers, and adds : '' My senti- 
ments exactly coincide with his. I shall, with him, do every- 
thing in my power to put a finishing stroke to the campaign. 
This done, I must beg leave to retire." November. 

St. John's, the fort protecting Montreal to the south, surrenders to 
General Montgomery after a siege of 50 days, Nov. 3. 



282 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1775. 

i\ umbers of General Montg-omery's soldiers, disliking a winter 
campaign, the sleeping without tents amid snow in the forests 
among wild beasts, refuse to go further, giving as excuse 
homesickness, their health and expiration of enlistment, the 
latter being a very common plea because of the uncertainty 
among an army of its poor construction to determine when 
enlistments had been made and for what term, and some he 
discharges as evil influences and being mutinous ; but by 
promising to discharge them at Montreal he holds most of his 
army together, Nov. 5. 

General Schuyler, at Ticonderoga, experiences difficulty in forward- 
ing troops, writing from there : " About three hundred of the 
troops raised in Connecticut passed here within a few days. 
An unhappy homesickness prevails. These all came down as 
invalids, not one willing to re-engage for the winter's service ; 
and unable to get any w^ork done by them, I discharged them 
en groupe. Of all the specifics ever invented for any there is 
none so efficacious as a discharge for this prevailing disorder. 
No sooner was it administered but it perfected the cure of nine 
out of ten ; who, refusing to wait for boats to go by way of 
Lake George, slung their heavy packs, crossed the lake at this 
place, and undertook a march of two hundred miles with the 
greatest good will and alacrity." November. 

Montreal falls to Gen. Richard Montgomery, who had been prose- 
cuting the invasion of Canada with Schuyler since August, 

Nov. 12. 

General Schuyler writes his last letter to General Montgomery be- 
fore that officer's death : " Adieu, my dear sir ; may I have the 
pleasure soon to announce another of your victories, and after- 
wards that of embracing you.'' November. 

General Montgomery writes to General Schuyler : " An affair hap- 
pened here yesterday which had very near sent me home. A 
number of officers presumed to remonstrate against the in- 
dulgence I had given some of the officers of the King's troops. 
Such an insult I could not bear, and immediately resigned. 
However, they have to-day qualified it by such an apology as 
puts it in my power to resume command with some propriety, 
and I have promised to bury it in oblivion." Nov. 24. 

Generals Montgomery and Arnold resolve to storm the works of 
yuebec from opposite sides of the town at night, as General 
Carleton would not come out to fight, Dec. 30. 

At 2 o'clock in the morning, amidst a driving snowstorm, Mont- 
gomery and Arnold storm Quebec, during which severe en- 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 283 



1775-1776. 



gagement Arnold wounded and Montgomery's body found at 
daybreak, pierced by three bullets, between the corpses of his 
aides, MacPherson and Cheeseman, nearly hidden in the snow, 
and General Carleton, who had been Montgomery's fellow- 
officer in Wolfe's army, orders his friend's body buried within 
the walls, Dec. 31. 



1776. 



Gen. Philip Schuyler feels deeply the blow of the death of his 
intimate friend and co-fighter. Gen. Richard Montgomery, shot 
at Ouebec in the early morning of December 31st, and for- 
warding the sad intelligence to General Washington, says : " I 
wish I had no occasion to send my dear general the enclosed 
melancholy accounts. My amiable friend, the gallant Mont- 
gomery, is no more ! The brave Arnold is wounded, and we 
have met with a very severe shock in an unsuccessful attempt 
on Ouebec. May Heaven be graciously pleased to terminate 
the misfortune here. I tremble for our people in Canada." 

January. 

General Schuyler is ordered to disarm the Tories at Johnson Hall, 
dispossessing them of all military stores, and he accomplishes 
this with 2,000 men, January. 

Preaching in the English tongue commenced in the Dutch Re- 
formed Church, January. 

Ann Lee (born at Manchester, Eng., in 1736) takes up her residence 
in the Niskayuna woods to the west of the city, and founds the 
Shaker settlement, having arrived here the previous year. 

Volckert P. Douw, as Indian Commissioner, allots the deputies of 
the seven tribes of Canadian Indians, who came on from Onon- 
daga, where they attended the meeting of the Six Nations, each 
I pair of shoes, i pair of buckles and a hat, they being in sore 
need of clothing, February 

Continental Congress orders General Schuyler to remain at Albany 
and keep the army General Montgomery had under him in 
Canada well supplied with stores, March. 

British compelled by General Washington to evacuate Boston, 

March 17. 

Several citizens, among them the Mayor, celebrate the birthday of 
King George III., as had been customary in the city, by a 
banquet of a private nature at Cartwright's Inn, and are set 



284 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1776. 



upon by those holding opposite views on the propriety of the 
occasion. June 4. 

The handsome swinging sign outside the King's Arms Tavern, 
northwest corner of Green and Beaver streets, forced from its 
hinges by patriots, carried to Yonkers (State) street and there 
burned, June. 

Col. Goose A'an Schaick, commanding the 5th N. Y. Regiment, es- 
tablishes detachments between Lake Champlain and Albany, 

June. 

The Declaration of Independence signed at Philadelphia, among 
those affixing their signatures being Philip Livingston of 
Albany, born at the northwest corner of State and Pearl streets, 
on Jan. 15, 1716, and the news is sent at once by post-riders to 
the various Provincial committees that the inhabitants of the 
country may hear and rejoice, July 4. 

New York Provincial Congress assembles at White Plains, N. Y., 
to act on the Declaration of Independence and at once change 
the title of the Province of New York to State of New York, 

July 9. 

Delegates Matthew Adgate, Robert Yates and Abraham Yates, Jun., 
at the Provincial Congress in session at White Plains, forward 
a transcription of the Declaration of Independence to the Com- 
mittee of Correspondence at Albany, July 14. 

The Albany Committee of Correspondence on receiving the copy 
of the Declaration of Independence, meets at the City Hall (a 
brick building three stories high, two windows on either side of 
the central door, and two windows deep, surmounted by a 
cupola, at the northeast corner of South Market street (Broad- 
way) and Hudson (avenue) street and there passes the fol- 
lowing resolution : " Resolved that the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence be published and declared in this City to-morrow at 
Eleven O'Clock at this place, and that Colonel V an Schaick be 
requested to order the Continental Troops in this City to appear 
under arms at the place aforesaid, and Farther that the Captains 
of the several Militia .Companies in this City be requested to 
warn the Persons belonging to their respective Companies to 
appear at the place aforesaid." July 18. 

The Declaration of Independence is read aloud at the City Hall to 
an immense throng, who crowded Market street in both direc- 
tions and Hudson street down to the river, the inhabitants and 
Continental troopers receiving its message with satisfactory ex- 
pressions, and their fervor, aroused by the deep interest in the 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 285 



1776. 



nation's vital matter, was such as to be comparable with the 
estimate placed by the future century on the act giving birth to 
a new country, the applause, sincerity of expression and a 
mingling of hilarity borne of reliance and bravery, being such 
as the ancient city had never before witnessed, July 19. 

The Provincial Congress now known as the Convention of Repre- 
sentatives of the State of New York, having cast off the yoke 
of a home country and all semblance of a colony, July 20. 

At the Convention of Representatives a committee is appointed to 
draft a state constitution, consisting of the following : John Jay, 
John Sloss Hobart, William Smith, William Duer, Gouverneur 
Morris, Robert R. Livingston (the Chancellor), John Broome, 
John IMorin Scott, Abraham Yates, Jun. (ex-Mayor of 
Albany), Henry Wisner, Sen., Samuel Townsend, Charle:^ 
DeWitt, and Robert Yates, James Duane being added later, 

Aug. I. 

Gen. Schuyler finding that half the men at Crown Point were sick 
and that a large number were also withdrawn in order to row 
these to the hospital at Fort George, at the southern end of 
Lake George, called a council of his officers, and it was agreed 
that as Crown Point was a low and insalubrious situation, lack- 
ing buildings of any sort and the men sleeping under brush 
huts, the wisest course was to move to the higher land of 
Ticonderoga, where the fortress was more healthily situated. 
It seemed best to them then, and likewise proved so in the end. 
The men had been exposed to the hot sun of the summer there, 
living on raw salt pork, often rancid, and hard biscuit. Some 
of the lesser officers, all New England men and not liking those 
of another colony, held a separate council, passing resolutions 
that by abandoning Crown Point the lake was left open to 
the enemy. These they sent to officers of Washington's army, 
signed by them, and General Washington, learning but one 
side of the case, expressed his disapproval. Schuyler became 
nettled by his inferior officers passing censure upon several of 
those above them, including Arnold, Gates and himself, and he 
writes to the Congress requesting a court of inquiry, August. 
Hearing of no compliance with his request for a searching inquiry 
by Congress, Gen. Schuyler resigns, stating that by so doing 
it was not his intention to elude an inquiry ; but " on the con- 
trary, it is a duty I owe to myself, to my family and to the 
respectable Congress of this State, by whose recommendation, 
unsolicited by me, Congress, I believe, was induced to honor 



286 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1776. 



me with a command, that I should exculpate myself from the 
many odious charges with which the country resounds to my 
prejudice. I trust I shall be able fully to do it, to the confusion 
of my enemies and their abettors. But, aggrieved as I am, 
my countrymen will find that I shall not be influenced by any 
unbecoming resentment, but that I will steadily persevere to 
fulfill the duties of a good citizen, and try to promote the weal 
of my native country by every effort in my power, Sept. 14. 

Cadwallader Colden, who had been appointed and began his term of 
office as lieutenant-governor in 1774 (b. Ireland, Feb. 17, 1688. 
N. S.), dies, Sept. 21. 

Congress acts on General Schuyler's resignation in this manner: 
" That the President write to General Schuyler and inform him 
that Congress cannot consent, during the present situation of 
their affairs, to accept of his resignation, but request that he 
continue the command that he now holds; that he be assured 
that the aspersions which his enemies have thrown out against 
his character have had no influence upon the minds of the mem- 
bers of this house who are fully satisfied of his attachment to 
the cause of freedom, and are willing to bear their testimony of 
the many services which he has rendered to his country ; and 
that, in order eflfectually to put calumny to silence, they will, at 
an early day, appoint a committee of their own body to inquire 
fully into his conduct, which they trust will establish his repu- 
tation in the opinion of all good men." Oct. 2. 

Charter election did not take place this year because of the war with 
Gt. Britain, Oct. 14. 

Anxious to bring about an inquiry as to his acts. General Schuyler 
had often requested permission to call upon the Congress, and 
hears from General Washington : " The situation of the north- 
ern army being at this juncture extremely critical, and your 
services in that department of the highest use and importance, 
the Congress wish for a continuance of your influence and abili- 
ties on behalf of your country. They have, however, agreeably 
to your request, consented that you should repair to this city 
whenever, in your opinion, the service wull admit of your ab- 
sence." November. 

General Schuyler desired to visit the Congress at Philadelphia dur- 
ing the fall in order to explain matters ; but had found too much 
to occupy him, and finally writes : " IN'Iuch as I wish to do my- 
self the honor to pay my respects to Congress, yet so much is 
to be done here, and no other general officer in the department, 
that it would not be prudent for me to quit in this conjuncture." 

December. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELLS CUYLER. 287 



1777. 



1777. 

General Schuyler writes to George Clinton : " I am closely engaged 
in preparation for the next campaign, and shall hope that if we 
can be furnished with men, cannon and ammunition, that the 
enemy will not be able to penetrate by the north." January. 

General Gates spending much time at Philadelphia seeking by the 
help of his New England friends in the Congress to better his 
grade as officer, January. 

General Schuyler had secured the services of Dr. Samuel Stringer 
of Albany to help among the numerous sick cases at Crown 
Point, and the doctor had volunteered to go, supplying much 
medicine at his own expense. Schuyler later appointed him as 
medical director. He was much surprised when a note of dis- 
missal arrived at the fort from Philadelphia, stating no reasons. 
Whereupon he expresses his sincere sympathy for the patriotic 
doctor, using this phrase in a letter he sends to the Congress: 
"As Dr. Stringer had my recommendation to the office he has 
sustained, perhaps it was a compliment due to me that I should 
have been advised of the reasons for his dismissal." Feb. 4. 

The friends of General Gates grasped this letter as an opportunity 
to bring censure upon Schuyler, pointing out that he had criti- 
cized the acts of the Congress, and at a session when the New 
York delegates were absent passed the following resolution 
which they trusted would bring about Schuyler's resignation 
and the elevating of General Gates : " Resolved, That as Con- 
gress proceeded to the dismission of Doctor Stringer, upon rea- 
sons satisfactory to themselves, General Schuyler ought to have 
known it to be his duty to have acquiesced therein. That the 
suggestion in General Schuyler's letter to Congress, that it was 
a compliment due to him to have advised him of the reasons of 
Dr. Stringer's dismission, is highly derogatory to the honor of 
Congress ; and that the President be desired to acquaint General 
Schuyler that it is expected his letters, for the future, be written 
in a style more suitable to the dignity of the representative body 
of these free and independent states, and to his own character 
as their officer. Resolved, that it is altogether improper and 
inconsistent with the dignity of this Congress to interfere in 
disputes subsisting among the officers of the army ; which ought 
to be settled, unless they can be otherwise accommodated, in a 
court-martial, agreeably to the rules of the army, and that the 



288 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

expression in General Schuyler's letter of the 4th of February, 
that he confidently expected Congress would have done him 
that justice, which it was in their power to give, and which 
he humbly conceives they ought to have done, were, to say the 
least, ill advised and highly indecent." February. 

General Gates directed to go to Ticonderoga and to employ under 
him such officers as he thinks proper, being virtually given 
command of the Army of the Northern Department, if not offi- 
cially designated such. 

General Schuyler seeks vindication and desiring to meet his accusers 
face to face at Philadelphia, proceeds to Kingston where the 
New York convention is in session ; there he explains the situa- 
tion and they appoint him a delegate to the Continental Con- 
gress, ATarch. 

The New York convention of Representatives receive the draft of 
the new state constitution as framed by the special committee 
appointed Aug. 1, 1776, and discuss its provisions, March 12. 

George Clinton ( later becoming New York state's first governor) 
appointed a United States brigadier-general, March 25. 

The convention adopts the state constitution at Kingston, April 20. 

George Clinton ( b. July 26, 1739, at Little Britain, Ulster Co., 
^N. Y., the son of Charles Clinton) elected the first Governor of 
'New York, April 21. 

As a member of the Continental Congress, General Schuyler arrives 
at Philadelphia, and seeks the identity of those who had been 
spreading malicious reports as well as operating against him, 
but found this difficult as the members generally gave him a 
cordial greeting, the result of which he describes in a letter to 
his secretary. Colonel Richard Varick, telling him " that there 
were no comjilaints against me, and they have never believed 
in any of the malicious reports propagated to my disadvantage. 
They have, however, gone too far, and all that stands on their 
journals injurious to me must be expunged or I quit the ser- 
vice." April. 

The Congress appoints a committee of one delegate from each state 
to consider Schuyler's case, consisting of Messrs. Thornton, 
Lovell, Ellery, Wolcott, Duer, Elmer, Clymer, Sykes, W. Smith, 
Page, Burke, Hayward, Brownson, and to them he recites the 
entire story of his command, April. 

The Continental Congress withdraws the resolution of censure, 
passed because of the letter Schuyler had written to it on Febru- 
ary 4th, and officially informs him that that august body " Now 




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No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 289 



1777. 



entertain the same favorable sentiments concerning him that 
they had entertained before that letter (of Feb. 4th) had been 
received," and further vindication is found in the report of the 
Board of Treasury, which had examined his accounts upon his 
solicitation, stating he is clear " of all demands of the United 
States against him." April. 

Report is made to the Congress by the special committee that com- 
pletely exonerates Schuyler, as follows : " Resolved, That 
Albany, Ticonderoga, Fort Stanwix and their dependencies be 
henceforward considered as forming the Northern Department, 
and that Major-General Schuyler be directed forthwith to pro- 
ceed to the Northern Department and to take command there." 

May 22. 

Lovell, who had been an adherent of General Gates to forward his 
cause before the Congress, perceives the uselessness of further 
effort, and informs him by letter : " Misconception of past re- 
solves and consequent jealousies have produced a definition of 
the Northern Department, and General Schuyler is ordered to 
take command of it." May 22. 

General Burgoyne arrives from England at Quebec, under strict 
orders to march on Albany and not to deviate from this course 
much as he had hoped would be preferable from certain plans 
he had conceived and laid before the home government, his 
transports landing 8,000 men, mostly English and German 
trained veterans, May. 

General Schuyler returns to Albany, again in full command of the 
Department of the Northern Army, June 8. 

General Schuyler learns that the supplies in the northern part of the 
state, while General Gates was supposedly supervising affairs, 
had been greatly exhausted instead of being built up in prepara- 
tion for the expected invasion of Burgoyne, for Gates had been 
either at Albany or negotiating at Philadelphia for control of 
the highest position in the department, held by Schuyler, 

June 10. 

The capture of a British spy discovers to General Schuyler the first 
definite information of the British plans, that General Burgoyne, 
then at Quebec, intended to attack New York province by way 
of Lake Champlain. while Sir John Johnson with an army of 
Canadians and Mohawks descends the Mohawk valley to join 
Burgoyne near Albany. June 15. 

Burgoyne's army concentrates at St. John's fort, located at the 
northern end of Lake Champlain, and 400 Indians join with 
him, June 18. 



290 



ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1777. 



The Congress, sitting at Philadelphia, informed by Roger Sherman 
(Connecticnt's delegate) that General Gates waits at the door 
for admittance. William Paca inf|uires, " For what purpose?" 
Sherman replies, " To communicate intelligence of importance." 
William Duer describes the tumultuous scene, wrought of jeal- 
ousy of Gates over Schuyler's position, as follows, he being a 
delegate and present : " The intelligence he communicated was 
that the Indians were extremely friendly, much delighted with 
seeing French officers in our service^ and other commonplace 
stuff. * * '•' Having thus gone through the osrensible part 
of the plan, he took out of his pocket some scraps of papers con- 
taining a narrative of his birth, parentage, and education, life, 
character, and behavior. He informed the House that he had 
quitted an easy and happy life to enter their service, from a pure 
2eal for the liberties of America ; that he had strenuously ex- 
erted himself in its defence ; that in some time in May last he 
was appointed to a command in the northern department, and a 
few days since, without having given any cause of offence, with- 
out accusation, without trial, without hearing, witliout notice, 
he had received a resolution by which he was in a most dis- 
graceful manner superseded in his command. Here his oration 
became warm, and contained many reflections upon Congress, 
and malicious insinuations against Mr. Duane, whose name he 
mentioned, and related some conversation, which he said had 
passed between him and that gentleman on his way to Albany. 
Here Mr. Duane rose, and addressing himself to the President, 
hoped that the General would observe order, and cease any per- 
sonal applications, as he could not, in Congress, enter into any 
controversy with him on the subject of any former conversa- 
tion. Mr. Paca caught the fire, and immediately moved that 
the General be ordered to withdraw. I seconded the motion, 
observing that the conduct of the General was unbecoming the 
House to endure, and himself to be guilty of. Mr. Jerry Dyson, 
Mr. Sherman and some others of his eastern friends rose, and 
endeavored to palliate his conduct and to oppose his withdraw- 
ing; on this Mr. Middleton, Mr. Burke, Colonel Harrison and 
two or three others arose, and there was a general clamor in 
the House that he should immediately withdraw. All this while 
the General stood upon the floor, and interposed several times in 
the debates which arose on this subject; however, the clamor 
increasing, he withdrew. * * * The want of candor in Mr. 
Sherman, who asked for his admittance on the pretence of his 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 29! 

1777. 



giving the House intelligence, was much inveighed against, but 
he bore it all with a true Connecticut stoicism. Congress at 
length came to the determination that General Gates should not 
again be admitted to the floor, but that he should be informed 
that Congress was ready and willing to hear, by w^ay of memo- 
rial, any grievances which he had to complain of. Here this 
matter ended. Not, as you will observe, to his credit or ad- 
vantage. It is impossible for me to give you an idea of the 
unhappy figure which G. G. made on this occasion. His man- 
ner was ungracious, and totally devoid of all dignity ; his de- 
livery was incoherent and interrupted with frequent chasms, 
in which he was peering over his scattered notes ; and the tenor 
of his discourse was a compound of vanity, folly and rudeness. 
I can assure you that notwithstanding his conduct has been 
such as to have eradicated from my mind every sentiment of 
respect and esteem for him, I felt for him as a man, and for 
the honor of human nature wished him to withdraw before he 
had plunged himself into utter contempt." June i8. 

General Schuyler arrives at Ticonderoga and inspects the troops 
and the defences, the two forts at either side of the passage 
connecting Lake George with Lake Champlain, the one taken 
by Ethan Allen from the British on May lo, 1775, and the 
other a star fort, built under Schuyler's orders in 1776, the two 
connected by a floating bridge, composed of heavy timbers 
chained end to end, 1,200 feet long, supported by 22 sunken 
piers. While in defending the location he had men sufficient 
to man these two forts he had not enough to garrison Sugar 
Loaf Hill and Mount Hope in the immediate vicinity, June 20. 

General Schuyler, at Albany, arranging for the defence of this 
city from the anticipated John Johnson expedition through the 
Mohawk valley, despatches messengers to General Washing- 
ton and the governors of Connecticut. IMassachusetts and New 
Hampshire, also to the Committees of Berkshire and of New 
York city, imploring re-inforcements to be sent to the northern 
part of the state, as the enemy was coming, June 27. 

General Schuyler receives word from Major-General St. Clair, at 
Ticonderoga, that the British are advancing southward. Gen- 
eral Burgoyne's army then ascending Lake Champlain on its 
way to Ticonderoga, June 27. 

Burgoyne's army having been moved in boats from St. John's fort 
to Crown Point, is there reviewed by him, his address to his 
men ending thus : " This army must not retreat," and he 
begins the march to Ticonderoga, another step towards Albany, 

June 2^. 



292 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

General Washington writes to General Schuyler that he is endeavor- 
ing to '' keep General Howe below the Highlands," lest the 
British army ascend the Hudson to Albany, and the best he 
could do at this time to help the Northern army is to order 
some troops, then at Peekskill, to march to Albany, July 2. 

Brigadier-General George Clinton is elected the first Governor of 
New York state to carry out the provisions of the new con- 
stitution, July 3. 

General Heath writes to General Washington that General Bur- 
goynre is within three n-^iles of Ticonderoga, and .that the 
British are about to test their strength against the Americans, 

Jwiy 3- 

General Phillips, of the British forces, surveys Sugar Loaf Hill, 
less than a mile south of Ticonderoga and 600 feet high, saying 
to a brother ofificer, " Where a goat can go, a man can go, 
and where a man can go, he can haul up a gun," realizing 
that if he can place cannon there he can command the situation 
against the Americans in the two forts on the lower land, 
accordingly that night he places a battery on the top of Sugar 
Loaf Hill, renaming it then Mount Defiance, Ji-dy 4. 

Looking upward at daybreak from their two forts on either side 
of the narrow passage connecting Lakes George and Champlain. 
the American army beholds with great dismay the British 
artillery frov/ning down upon their position, their location safe 
from assault on the level but as an open book before the 
position the British had acquired upon Sugar Loaf Hill, and 
to remain an}^ time meant extermination in a death trap, so 
in order to save his army General St. Clair follows the only 
course consistent, that of slipping out and making a very quick 
march southward, thus to render the elevated position of the 
British no advantage over their own, July 5. 

General Schuyler impatiently awaits at Albany the Peekskill rein- 
forcements that General Washington had promised, to take 
them to Lake Champlain, and having sent sloops down the 
river in search of them, writes to the Congress : " If they 
do not arrive by to-morrow, I shall go on without them and do 
the best I can with the militia." July 5. 

General St. Clair having no boats with which to convey his army 
southward by the way of Lake George, strikes southeasterly 
through the forests and across mountains of wild underbrush 
and impenetrable woods ; but his rear guard is attacked by 
General Frazer and his 1,000 men at Hubbardton, east of Lake 




FORT TICONDEROGA. 

Scene of conflict between Samuel Champlain and the Mohawks, July 30, 1609. Built 
by the French under Baron Dieskau in 1755-6, and named Fort Carillon. Gen. Aber- 
crombie defeated here by Montcalm, July 8, 1758. Lord Amherst took it from the French, 
July 26, 1759. Americans evacuated it to Burgoyne, July 5, 1777. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 293 

1777. 

George, and just as the Americans are beating them back, 
General Riedesel arrives with his Hessian troops, so that the 
Americans retreat, leaving 300 killed and wounded, July 6. 

The expected troops from Peekskill not arriving at Albany, General 
Schuyler departs without them for Ticonderoga, and when 
between Saratoga and Stillwater meets Colonel Hay, bearing 
the news that General St. Clair had evacuated Ticonderoga, 
but he does not know whither he was now proceeding, July 7. 

While Generals Frazer and Riedesel pursue General St. Clair along 
the land to the east of Lake George, Burgoyne advances south- 
ward on that lake, July 8. 

Brig.-Gen. George Clinton officially announced Governor of New 
York state by the convention, July 9. 

Burgoyne's army only 20 miles behind General St. Clair's, which 
is hurrying southward, making for Fort Edward, July 10. 

General Schuyler continues northward and joins General St. Clair 
at Fort Edward, July 12. 

Burgoyne at Skeensborough, east of Lake George, approaching Fort 
George, July 14. 

General Schuyler realizing the great disadvantage he is placed in 
if required to protect Albany from the army of Burgoyne, and 
wondering whether those at Albany and at the seat of the 
nation, the Congress, are truly aware of the frightful conditions, 
writes to Colonel Lewis, deputy quartermaster-general at 
Albany that the citizens here must at once supply the necessities 
and urges that " recourse must therefore be had to the com- 
mittee, begging their interposition to collect such lead as is in 
the city ; the lead windows and weights may, perhaps, afford a 
supply for the present. As soon as it is collected, Mr. Rens- 
selaer will have it made- into ball, and send it up without a 
moment's delay. Should a wagon be sent off with one box, as 
soon as it is ready it must be pushed off; also all the buck 
shot." July. 

If at all needful, in the face of remark by any historian that 
Schuyler was too fond of retreating (as a dispute of this nature 
was aroused a full month later by Gates) or of any imputation 
of lack of courage, the letter written at this time by him, a 
month previous to a retreat, must show he imposed with reason 
the condition of something like adequate aid by the government 
before he thought it safe or proper to meet such a powerful 
army as Burgoyne's, and this letter to General Washington, 
in part, reads : '"' Desertion prevails and disease gains ground ; 



294 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

nor is it to be wondered at, for we have neither tents, houses, 
barns, boards, or any shelter except a little brush ; every rain 
that falls, and we have it in .si'reat abundance almost every day, 
wets the men to tlie skin. We are besides in great want of 
every kind of necessities, provisions excepted. Camp kettles 
we have so few, that we cannot afford one to 20 men." July. 

At this time the friends of (lates particularly active in urging the 
Congress that he be given charge of the Northern Army, all 
the New Englanders spitefully decrying the actions of the 
various New York officers, and loth to send their men into 
another colony to fight under men of the place whither they 
go and reaping battles for the credit of officers not of their own 
state, the talk going so far as to suggest that both St. Clair 
and Schuyler were traitors, even Adams voicing the sentiment 
that no victories could be won until they had shot an of^cer or 
two, whereas when the matter was later considered in the 
light of facts it was shown that the Congress had not sent 
an army of size to man the mountains at the outlet of Lake 
George (Mount Defiance) and the enemy simply took advan- 
tage of this, July 15. 

While it was a definite fact that Burgoyne's army numbered between 
eight and nine thousand, five hundred being Indians, the " re- 
turn " of the American brigade of Albany County militia under 
Brig. -Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, made this day at Fort Ed- 
ward, shows 1,755 men, July 18. 

General Washington on hearing of the disaster at Ticonderoga, 
writes to General Schuyler : " I will not condemn or even 
pass a censure upon any officer unheard ; but I think it a duty 
which General St. Clair owes to his own character to insist 
upon an opportunity of giving- the reasons for his sudden 
evacuation of a post which, but a few days before, he, by his 
own letters, thought tenable, at least for a while." July 18. 

General Burgoyne makes his headquarters at Fort Edward with 
8,000 men and 500 Indians, slowly proceeding southward, 

J"iy 25- 

Oeneral Schuyler had made it difficult for lUirgoyne to move with 
any rapidity, not so much as two miles a day, busying himself 
with the policy of delaying the enemy all possible, that prepara- 
tions might be made to meet him eft'ectually before long, and 
his object was to make it hard for Burgoyne to obtain supplies 
the further he went from his base in Canada. With this end 
in view he had burned Fort George at the head of the lake and 




ori*>'*''3 






WAR ^lAP OF REVOLUTION. 

It shows the route followed by Burgoyne's army on its march from Montreal 
to Albany, and location of battles at Forts Ticonderoga, George, Edward, Ann, 
and Stanwix, Oriskany and Bemis Heights. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. 



295 



1777. 



Fort Anne to the southeast, having moved their stores first to 
Fort Edward, the first two named being hardly more than forti- 
fied storehouses, and although Fort Edward was the most 
important of the three it was in no wise defencible against an 
army like Burgoyne's, for when the Marquis de Chastellux 
visited it soon after he reported that it could be taken with 500 
men and four guns; but the news that he had burned them 
was received at Philadelphia with blame, some saying he had 
given up two more forts to the British, whereas he had harbored 
their stores elsewhere and the British found the forts empty. 
Schuyler had sent out a thousand men to fell trees that would 
fall across the roads and navigable streams, in fact with trunks 
and branches intersecting they formed a tangle that men could 
not penetrate, likewise choking the creeks and destroying the 
bridges across them. So well did he carry out his plans that 
although the British had taken only four days to come from 
Ticonderoga to the head of the lake (Caldwell), a distance of 
40 miles, the next twenty days were required to proceed the 
20 miles to Fort Edward, and these twenty days were of vast 
importance in collecting an army that could cope with Burgoyne 
ere it came to Albany, July. 

General Schuyler tells General Washington of the need of assistance, 
men and ammunition, in these words : " I have indeed written 
to Springfield for the cannon which were there. But the answer 
I got was that they ^ere all ordered another way. I have 
also written to Boston, not that I expect anything will be sent 
me, but that I may stand justified; for I have never yet been 
able to get much of anything from there. In this situation I 
can only look up to your Excellency for relief ; and permit me 
to entreat you to send me a re-enforcement of troops and such 
a supply of artillery, ammunition, and every other necessary 
(except provisions and powder) which an army ought to have, 
if it can possibly be spared." July- 

General Washington replied that to detach any considerable number 
of men from his own army would be to weaken himself too 
much, as he is occupied with thwarting General Howe's plans 
of a serious invasion ; but will help him when possible, July. 
Jane McCrea proves a martyr by advancing the American cause by 
the seemingly small incident in time of war, the sacrificing of 
one life and that of a mere country girl, far more than could 
the appeals of Schuyler or even of General Washington, foi 
help through New England troops to co-operate with the Nev 



296 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1777. 



York militia. Burgoyne had had a great disHke of Indians as 
allies, although ordered by the home country to employ them, 
and had issued orders to them at the start that they were to 
fight after the method of civilized nations, an argument that 
he was roundly ridiculed about, and this alliance proves a 
boomerang. Panther, a chief, with his marauding band cap- 
tures Jane McCrea, the young daughter of a Scotch clergyman, 
near Fort Edward, and she was visiting at the home of Mrs. 
McNeil : Both women were captured by the Indians and were 
being taken to the British camp when pursued by Americans. 
The two women become separated and the elder woman arrives 
in safety; but Jane McCrea does not and her safety causes 
alarm as she was engaged to a Tory officer in the British 
army, July 27. 

Panther, the Indian chief, comes into the British camp dangling the 
scalp of a woman who had long hair and expects to be ap- 
plauded for his bravery and activity in taking the life of an 
enemy; but Mrs. McNeil recognizes it as the hair of her dear 
friend, Jeanie McCrea and a search in the forest reveals this 
to be only too true, for they find her body pierced by three 
bullets, July 28. 

General Burgoyne issues a strict order that no party of Indians 
shall pass out of the lines unless accompanied by a British officer 
to preserve orderly warfare. The Indian allies resent the order, 
load themselves with all the provisions they can carry and 
decamp into the Adirondacks, July 29. 

The story of Jane JMcCrea's sad fate spreads into New England, 
where the inhabitants had been slow to arouse to the necessity 
of aiding Schuyler in the New York struggle a'gainst Burgoyne ; 
but the details of Panther vaingloriously striding into the 
British camp swinging the scalp of the young and innocent girl 
quickens the impulse of every New England home, and they 
proceed enthusiastically to muster regiments in Massachusetts 
and Connecticut, which prove a boon in fighting Burgoyne, 
but had been tardy in coming to Schuyler's aid when appealed 
to in the most ardent language, July 31. 

Receiving no intimation that his force will be augmented sufficiently 
and within a short time to meet Burgoyne's, General Schuyler 
thinks it best to move his army sovith as far as Saratoga, that 
he may the more readily be reached with reinforcements and 
also being nearer his base of supplies, be the better able to 
make a determined stand, and writes to the Committee of Safety 




JANE McCREA TREE. 

Few realize the momentous effect of the barbaric slaying of Jane McCrea 
in the Ft. Edward woods by " Panther." It is likely that Burgoyne would 
have captured Albany had not the New England colonies been shocked to a 
realization of danger and speedily sent militia to Bemis Heights. Remains 
removed to Ft. Edward cemetery April 23, 1822. 



JSlO. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 297 

1777. 

at Albany : "I have been on horseback all day, reconnoitring 
the country for a place to encamp on, that will give us a chance 
of stopping the enemy's career. I have not yet been able to 
find a spot that has the least prospect of answering the purpose, 
and I believe you will soon learn that we are retired still 
farther south." Aug. i. 

The Congress giving heed to those who had spread the opinion that 
General Schuyler was not the proper person to have charge of 
the Northern Army, recalls him, and asks General Washington 
to name a new general-in-chief. A memorial in the hand- 
writing of Samuel Adams, a New Englander, is signed by 
all the New England delegates to the Congress, who embrace 
the opportunity that ha.d specifically been made, requesting Gen- 
eral Washington to appoint general Gates in Schuyler's stead. 

Aug. I. 

John Jay and Gouverneur Morris, delegates from New York to 
Philadelphia and two of the most respected delegates of the 
entire Continental Congress, arrive there in order to explain 
the situation in their state and the impossibility of Schuyler 
maintaining his position against so great odds ; but learning that 
Gates had been appointed to supersede him the previous day, 
each writes as follows to General Schuyler,— from Gouverneur 
Morris : " You will readily believe that we are not pleased 
at this resolution, and I assure you for my own part I feel 
exceedingly distressed at your removal, just when changing 
fortune began to declare in your favor. Congress, I hope, will 
perceive that our successes have been owing to the judicious 
plans adopted previous to your removal ;" and from John Jay : 
" Washington and Congress were assured that unless another 
general presided in the Northern Department the militia of 
New England would not be brought into the field. The Con- 
gress, under this apprehension, exchanged their general for the 
militia — a bargain which can receive no justification from the 
supposed necessity of the times ;" from James Duane, another 
•delegate, coming from New York city : " Your enemies, relent- 
less, and bent on your destruction, would willingly include you 
in the odium of losing Ticonderoga. The change of command 
was not, however, founded on this principle, but merely on the 
representation of the Eastern States that their militia, suspicious 
of your military character, would not turn out in defence of 
New York while you presided in the Northern Department." 

Aug. 2. 



298 AliRAHAM CORXELIS CUVLKR. No. 26. 

1777. 

So many of the jjersons livint^- in the country near Albany, in dread 
of the expected attack seek the protection of the city, bringing- 
their hve stock, and the authorities not caring to aid the 
foe by having them taken by the enemy's scouting parties 
for provender, the Committee of Safety provides that the pas- 
ture knid in the southern part of the city that is owned by tories 
may be used by any refugees for grazing, Aug. 4. 

General Washington having refused to interfere in the action taken 
by the Congress and being unwilling to appoint a man in the 
place of Schuyler, leaves the matter at the disposal of the 
Congress and that body appoints Gen. Horatio Gates, who was 
born at Maldon, Eng., 1728, and was a resident of New 
England after coming to this country, Aug. 5. 

General Schuyler writes to General Washington, having moved his 
army from Saratoga southward to Stillwater as follows : " By 
the unanimous advice of all the general officers, I have moved 
the army to this place. Here we propose to fortify a camp, in 
expectation that reinforcements will enable us to keep the 
ground and prevent the enemy from penetrating further into 
the country; but if it should be asked whence I expect these 
reinforcements, I should be at loss for an answer, not having 
heard a word from Massachusetts on my repeated application, 
nor am I certain that Connecticut will afiford us any success. 
Our Continental force is daily decreasing by desertion, sickness, 
and loss in skirmishes with the enemy, and not a man of the 
militia now with me will remain above one week longer, and 
while our force is diminishing that of the enemy augments by a 
constant acquisition of Tories ; but if, by any means, we could 
be put in a situation for attacking the enemy and giving them 
a repulse, their retreat would be extremely difficult, that in all 
probability they would lose the greater part of their army." 

Aug. 5- 

General Burgoyne carrying" out the plan of marching southward to 
Albany while Gen. William Howe moves up the Hudson from 
New York with his 5,000 men, thus opposing a combined 
army of disciplined soldiers of more than 14,000 British soldiers 
to General Schuyler's less than 2,000, sends a despatch to 
General Howe telling him that he is satisfied with his advance 
on Albany and impatient to reach the mouth of the Mohawk, 
when he could make nine miles to Albany whenever ready 
to take that city, which he calculates should be in about sixteen 
days, Aug. 6. 




GENERAL PETER GANSEVOORT. 

He was born at Albany, July 17, 1749; successfully defended 
Fort Stanwix (Rome, N. Y.) against British and Indians 
under Gen. St. Leger, August, 1777, and died July 2, 1812. 
(From the painting by Gilbert Stuart.) 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 299 

1777. 

General Schuyler bears his supreme trial as a man and evinces his 
thorough patriotism in his letter to President Hancock : " I 
am far from being insensible of the indignity of being ordered 
from the command of the army at a time when an engagement 
must soon take place. It, however, gives me great consolation 
that I shall have an opportunity of evincing that my conduct 
has been such as deserved the thanks of my country." August. 

General Nicholas Herkimer is at Oriskany, on the Mohawk eight 
miles below Fort Stanwix where Col. Peter Gansevoort had 
been pluckily holding the little garrison against General St. 
Leger of the British force coming from Oswego, and he plans 
to attack that general from the rear, thus giving Gansevoort 
an opportunity to make a sally, and sends word that on the 
firing of three guns from the fort he will co-operate. Aug. 5. 

Herkimer does not hear the three guns at the time specified and 
waits, but on being accused by his officers with treachery yields 
and leading his men up the Mohawk's bank he is attacked sud- 
denly in an ambuscade, St. Leger having been advised by Indian 
scouts, and his Royal Greens spring out engaging Herkimer in 
the most bloody battle of the Revolution. Herkimer, wounded 
by a shattered leg, sits upon a tree stump and while smoking 
his pipe to relieve the pain, gives orders to his men (from which 
wound by unsuccessful operation he dies later) and they fight 
hard though losing many. Gansevoort, a native Albanian 
(b. July 17, 1749), on hearing the noise of battle, makes an im- 
petuous sally and takes Sir John Johnson's men by surprise, they 
rushing across the ]\Iohawk. Gansevoort loots the British 
camp of all Sir Johnson's papers and places the five British flags 
he captures beneath one that he improvises for the American 
army, for in the exigency of the case the Americans required 
some sort of a national flag, (although the Congress had taken 
action a month or two before to provide a flag) composing it of 
a portion of Captain Swarthout's cloak, Aug. 6. 

General Philip Schuyler, having been at Albany attending to some 
important matters regarding the relief of Fort Stanwix, is 
about to mount his horse, standing; before his mansion in the 
southern part of this city, and ride back to his army near 
Saratoga, when an officer comes up, who hands him a dispatch. 
He breaks the seal, and a flush spreads over his noble face as 
he reads a copy of the resolution of the Congress relieving him 
of his command. The sacrifice must have aroused powerful 
sentiments of sorrow in his mind; but he smothers all ideas of 
resentment that may be intermixed with patriotic duty, mounts 



300 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

his horse aiul starts for Stillwater, just the same as had been his 
intention before the unpleasant message arrived, -^"S- lO- 

General Schuyler writes to James Duane, New York delegate to the 
Cong'ress from whom he had received a cordial letter condoling 
the circumstances of his removal : " Last night I was advised 
that General Gates is on the point of arriving to relieve me. 
Your fears may be up, lest the ill-treatment I have experienced 
at his hands should so far get the better of my judgment as to 
embarrass him. Do not, my dear friend, be uneasy on that 
account. I am incapable of sacrificing' my country to a resent- 
ment however just, and I trust I shall give an example of what 
a good citizen ought to do when he is in my situation." August. 

General Schuyler's estimable wife, Catherine ( daughter of John Van 
Rensselaer of the Greenbush ^lanor, born at his home. Fort 
Crailo, on Nov. 4. 1734). a very beautiful woman as well as a 
most kindly character, often sending her milch cows from her 
farms to relief of the needy, goes up to their Saratoga (Schuy- 
lerville) homestead (on the west bank of the Hudson, 12 miles 
northeast of Saratoga Springs) in her chariot drawn by four 
horses, in order to remove the household articles, fearing the 
early approach of the British. She is attended by a single 
armed man on horseback. When she reaches a point of dense 
woods two miles south of her home, she meets a crowd of 
panic-stricken peo])!e Avho are hurrying along the highway to 
Albany, and who tell her of the tragic death of Jane McCrea 
as a warning to her of the great dangers of being overtaken 
by the enemv if she does not turn about. In reply she tells 
them : " The General's wife must not be afraid." While at 
her home she receives explicit instructions from her liusband 
that she must burn tlieir fields of ripening grain, that the 
enemy may not receive any benefit therefrom. She goes to the 
river flats east of their homestead, where hundreds of acres of 
wheat are growing, and herself applies the torch. Tt is the 
intention of General Schuyler to set an example to other patriots 
along the route to .\ll)any. She also sends all her horses for 
use of the American armv, intending to make use of oxen to 
draw her Ijack to the city. August. 

In order to obtain provisions and horses to transport the same, 
General lUirgoyne, being advised by his scouts of the stores 
collected for warfare by the Americans at Bennington, sends 
Lieut. -Col. Ilaum there with instructions to meet him again at 
Albany, the better prepared thus to move on to New York, 

Aug. II. 



No. 26. AJJRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. 3OI 

1777. 

At this time New England, fearing Burgoyne's army might turn 
into that section and having been posted by Washington that if 
tliis happened the horde of Indians allied with the enem}' would 
proceed to terrible slaughter, fully aroused to the necessity of 
answering Washington's appeal and advice to lend some of its 
militia at once, is gathering reinforcements to co-operate with 
Schuyler; but he is in ignorance of these facts, Aug. 12. 

Lt.-Col. St. Leger, who had been sent from Canada to go bv way of 
Oswego through the Mohawk valley and attack General Schuy- 
ler's rear while Burgoyne was engaging the front, now at Fort 
Stanwix (site of Rome), laying siege to it, Aug. 12. 

Even with so small a force as he has at his command^ opposed by 
the enemy four to one. General Schuyler is appealed to by the 
inhabitants of the Mohawk valley to protect them by giving up 
a part of his little body of men or move westward instead of 
engaging Burgoyne, and to the Committee of Tryon County he 
writes: " I am sorry, very sorry that you should be calling upon 
me for assistance of Continental troops when I have already 
spared you all I could ; when no army has yet made its appear- 
ance ; when the militia of every county in the state except yours 
is altogether called out. For God's sake do not forget that you 
are an over-match for any force the enemy can bring against 
you, if you will act with spirit. I have a large army to oppose, 
and trust I can do it effectually, and prevent their penetrating 
to any distance into the country. Keep up your spirits ; show 
no signs of fear ; act with vigor ; and you will not only serve 
your country, but gain immortal honor." August. 

General Schuyler orders Gen. Benedict Arnold to hasten to the relief 
of Fort Stanwix, ' Aug. 13. 

General Schuyler sends word to General Washington that because 
of the number of Tories joining Burgoyne's army as it marches 
southward, " and which will be doubled if General Burgoyne 
reaches Albany, which I apprehend will be very soon," he is 
forced to give way, and to move further south, Aug. 13. 

General Schuyler, despondent to a degree upon receiving neither 
reinforcements nor word to the effect that any will come, and 
finding it becoming daily more essential to be near his base of 
supplies, moves his small army along the highway beside the 
west bank of the Hudson from Stillwater to the junction of that 
river with the Mohawk, and forms a camp on both Haver and 
Van Schaick islands in the Hudson, Aug. 14. 

The several movements southward of General Schuyler and his 
army had now created the idea among those who did not know 
the reasons, that he was loath to meet Burgoyne, Aug. 15. 



302 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

General Schuyler orders a line of formidable breastworks thrown 
up along the northeastern and northwestern sides of Haver 
island, Chief Engineer Thaddeus Kosciusko of the Northern 
Army superintending the work, the intention being to defend 
the fords at Half Moon Point (the site of Waterford) where 
Burgoyne would necessarily try to cross over, Aug. 15. 

On August 1st the Congress, giving heed to those who had spread 
the opinion that General Schuyler was not the proper person to 
have charge of the Northern Army, recalled him and had asked 
General Washington to name a new general-in-chief, and a 
memorial in the handwriting of Samuel Adams, signed by all 
the New England delegates, requested him to appoint General 
Gates, a New Englander, in Schuyler's stead. Washington had 
refused to interfere and left the matter at the disposal of the 
Congress, which on August 5th had appointed Gates, and he 
now takes command at Albany, Aug. 19. 

On General Gates* arrival at the camp on Van Schaick island, bear- 
ing his commission as commander-in-chief. General Schuyler 
receives him with politeness and gives him all the information 
in his power regarding the enemy and his army, proffering all 
assistance he may be able to render in any capacity ; but Gates 
ignores him most brusquely, and although Gates invites every- 
body to his first council of war, even sending for Gen. Abraham 
Ten Broeck, at Albany, he does not ask Schuyler to attend, 
which action (later on) elicits from Gouverneur Morris this 
trenchant utterance : " The new commander-in-chief of the 
Northern Department may, if he please, neglect to ask or dis- 
dain to receive advice ; but those who know him will, I am sure, 
be convinced that he needs it." Aug. 19. 

General Burgoyne repairing bridges over the Hudson between Sara- 
toga (Schuylerville) and Ft. Edward, for his advance or in 
readiness for a retreat, Aug. 20. 

General Gates is helped by the acquisition of Col. Henry Beekman 
Livingston's 4th N. Y. Regiment and Col. Philip Van Cort- 
landt's 2nd N. Y. Regiment, which arrive and join General 
Poor's division on the south bank of the Mohawk at Loudon's 
ferry; Gen. Arnold also counted upon to go there from Fort 
Stanwix, Aug. 21. 

General Schuyler has a narrow escape from death at the hands of a 
savage while at his country-place (Schuylerville), whither he 
had gone to gather and remove his personal effects ere the 
British approach. The incident is described by J. Watts De 
Peyster in these words : " Before the mansion was evacuated. 




GEN. HORATIO GATES. 

A New Englander ; born at Maldon, Eng., in 1728: 
appointed by the Congress major-general commanding 
Northern Army, Aug. 5, 1777 ; arrived at Albany, Aug. 
19, 1777, and assumed command at Van Schaick Island 
that day. Received Burgoyne's surrender Oct. 17, 1777. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. oq^ 



1777. 



however, the General himself had a narrow escape from assas- 
sination by the hand of a savage, who had insinuated himself 
into the house for that purpose. It was the hour of bedtime 
in the evening", and while the General was preparing to retire 
for the night, that a female servant, in coming in from the 
hall, saw a gleam of light reflected from the blade of a knife 
in the hand of some person, whose dark outline she discerned 
behind the door. The servant was a black slave [Meg], who 
had sufficient presence of mind not to appear to have made 
the discovery. Passing directly through the door into the 
apartment where the General was standing near the fireplace, 
with an air of unconcern she pretended to arrange such articles 
as were disposed upon the mantelpiece, while in an undertone 
she informed her master of her discoverv, and said aloud, ' I 
will call the guard.' The General instantly seized his arms, 
while the faithful servant hurried out by another door into a 
long hall, upon the floor of which lay a loose board which 
creaked beneath the tread. By the noise she made in tramping 
rapidly upon the board, the Indian— for such he proved— wa's 
led to suppose that the Philistines were upon him in numbers, 
sprang from concealment and fled. He was pursued, however, 
by the guard and a few friendly Indians attached to the person' 
of General Schuyler, overtaken and made prisoner " Auoust 
Reports reach Lieut.-Colonel Barry St. Leger, commander of the 
British army coming from the west by way of Oswego to 
attack Albany, at the same time that Burgoyne and Howe^'form 
a juncture from the north and south of that city, and who has 
been laying siege to Fort Stanwix for twenty-one days that 
General Benedict Arnold is advancing on him from Albany, and 
IS approaching with great rapidity of forced marches with his 
army of a thousand men. Arnold had taken particular pains 
that rumors of his coming in great haste should reach the ears 
of St. Leger, and these had the desired effect just at a time 
when his forces were becoming almost unmanageable. On the 
20th, he had reached Fort Dayton, his army increasing in size as 
he marches through the Mohawk valley by the American patri- 
ots dropping their work of harvesting and ioining the ranks of 
the army moving westward to relieve Fort Stanwix. St. Leger, 
too scared to maintain his position, although Arnold stilf at 
Utica, raises the siege and flees with his armv in a retreat to 
Oswego, his Indian allies treacherouslv looting his baggage 
tram and scalping both the American prisoners and the laggards 
of St. Leger's frightened army, Aug 22 



304 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

General Gates writes to Washington in full regarding conditions and 
plans for meeting Burgoyne, from his newly established head- 
quarters in Van Schaick's homestead on Van Schaick island, in 
which letter he says there is a brigade at Loudon's Ferry, a 
brigade under General Lincoln with General Stark's forces at 
Bennington, and a brigade under General Arnold helping to 
raise the siege of Fort Stanwix, and he thanks him for propos- 
ing to send Col. Daniel Morgan's rifle corps to him, as it is the 
most skilled in the country, Aug. 22. 

General Gates has by this time acquired an army of about 6,000 men, 
forces that were gathering while Schuyler was in command, 
arriving now in numbers, Sept. i. 

The Legislature of the State of New York convenes at Kingston, 
the Assembly holding its inaugural session, Sept. i. 

General Gates, believing he has a force sufficiently powerful to meet 
General Burgoyne, advances northward from the island at the 
mouth of the Mohawk to Stillwater, and begins throwing up 
intrenchments there, Sept. 8. 

State Senate first convenes, holding its session at Kingston, 

Sept. 9. 

Kosciusko, having discovered a superior place for a position of 
defence to the north. Gates moves to Bemis Heights, known 
as Saratoga at this time, although hardly a farmhouse to eacli 
square mile for the next ten miles northward along the west 
shore of the Hudson river. The army begins intrenching itself, 
Gates' right flank on the river near Bemis' Tavern, and the left 
on the high ground to the west, Sept. 12. 

Not only does Gates fortify his position by erecting breastworks and 
very strong batteries ; but his position is more impregn.able by 
reason of the virgin forest about him, the high ground and the 
ravines. The intrenchment that he orders under Kosciusko's 
survey and advice runs from Bemis' Tavern at the west shore 
of the Hudson, all the way to the top of the hills. At the 
former terminal he places a battery, and throws a floating bridge 
across the river, which he also defends at its landing on the 
east bank, Sept. 13. 

General Burgoyne's army (but not himself) on Saturday morning, 
crosses the Hudson river from the east to the west shore, just 
north of where the Battenkill creek flows into it from the east, 
intending to march down the highway along the western shore, 
and makes thus his first direct move into the vicinity of the scene 
where is to occur his fierce conflict, siege, final struggle and sur- 
render. This fording place was to the north of the Battenkill's 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 305 



1777. 



mouth and about three miles to the north of where in Saratoga 
( later Sclnivlerville ) he is shortly to yield to the Americans. In 
crossing over. General Fraser leads. Colonel Breyman following 
closely in order to cover the left wing. Long impatient to hear 
from General Howe as to the probability of his being able to 
make a successful juncture with him at Albany, Burgoyne re- 
ceives the first message from his co-patriots far to the south, 
Howe writing that he is on the Delaware ; but the dispatch 
makes no reference to a meeting" of their forces, and Burgoyne 
wonders whether the home government has duped or deserted 
him by not carrying out the original scheme when he was sent 
on the campaign. Burgoyne was now in a densely wooded 
region, the only place where one may see any distance being the 
river, and fearful lest at any moment the next mile might bring 
him face to face with his foe. While he could hear the morning 
drum beat, yet he gained no idea of how many there are to 
oppose his march, or where the enemy is located. The /\meri- 
cans are not in such ignorance. They have a valiant watchout, 
a Mr. Willard, on the crest of the highest hill of the range 
paralleling the east shore of the Hudson, and he signals every 
movement of the British army to the American camp directly 
opposite, on the flats and heights of the west side, Sept. 13. 
Generals Burgoyne and Phillips cross from the east to the west shore 
of the Hudson with the artillery train, Burgoyne by the pontoon 
bridge and the 20th Regiment fording below the rapids to 
relieve crowding of the bridge. This bridge was constructed 
upon rude boats or scows, and being at a narrow part of the 
river was only 425 feet long. Fraser had made a cut through 
the west bank to facilitate the army's ascent, and also excavated 
a roadway down the east bank (on property in 1906 of John A. 
Dix, Esq., and still showing) which he protected with breast- 
works, a battery behind it. Burgoyne recognizes the danger of 
cam.ping at night on the wooded hills of the west bank before 
his center crosses, and he mspects the heights, to plan where 
to post divisions in case of attack. At night the advance wing- 
encamps on the western heights in battle order of three columns, 
and Burgoyne makes his quarters at the Schuyler homestead, 
about two miles further south. This mansion is a broad wooden 
house with high columns, and is but a few hundred feet west 
of the Hudson. Apast its northern end, not more than a hundred 
feet distant, runs Fish Creek on its way to the river, and some 
hundred feet up this creek General Schuyler has his mills. This 
creek has its source in the eastern end of Saratoga Lake, twelve 



306 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

miles to the west. It is so shallow below the dam, and near 
Schuyler's house,, that it is there a point selected for fording 
except at times of freshet. About the house are great elms 
and wild woods, almost sheltered to view from the highway two 
hundred feet from its western front. Many notable guests had 
he entertained there, and it was well provided with handsome 
mahogany furniture of the period. Not far to the east is a lower 
level of ground, known as the flat, where he raises wheat, corn 
and provender. It was particularly productive because the 
spring freshets deposited annually a mass of rich soil, in fact 
the flats were but an accumulation of alluvial richness, Sept. 14. 

General Gates makes use of the Neilson fairm and the farmhouse on 
a knoll about a mile west of the river, constituting it the north- 
west angle for his encampment. He throws up thick earth- 
works about the barn, to which he applies a double lining of 
logs, and he names the place Fort Neilson, Sept. 14. 

General Riedesel, in command of the German troops, crosses the 
river with his left wing, whereupon Burgoyne gives an exhibi- 
tion of his determination to win a victory, or rather displays his 
own convictions, by breaking up the pontoon bridge over which 
his army had been passing for three days. These Germans, in 
the end, prove themselves stubborn fighters, although they were 
properly termed hirelings, having been secured by German 
princes who, in need of money, had collected them for England 
at so much a head. England had first tried to hire Russians, 
George III. having applied to Catherine II., Empress of Russia ; 
but she made a flat refusal to the nefarious bargain he would 
make with her. It is said that all Europe cried " For shame !'" 
when the Flessians were secured from their masters of Hesse- 
Cassel at a bounty of an equivalent of $32.50 per head ; Freder- 
ick the Great of Prussia gave contemptuous utterance, and the 
Americans heartily detested these pay-men. or soldiers hired 
to shoot them. Burgoyne's advance-guard fords Fish Creek 
(sometimes called Fish Kill) and starts southward on its search 
for the Americans. Strange to say, he employs no scouts at 
this time, and penetrating the wilderness of forests stands r^ 
chance of being entrapped. His army proceeds in three 
columns, the artillery and camp baggage using the highway ; 
the right wing penetrating the woods half a mile up the hill- 
side, and the left wing iirogrcssing along the river flats half a 
mile east of the center column. Keeping abreast of the army 
ashore, the batteaux, loaded with supplies, float dov^ai the river. 
These movements are all observed bv the keen eves of Willard. 




DOVEGAT HOUSE. 

Burgoyne made it his headquarters previous to the Bemis Heights Battle of Sept. 19, 
1777. It stood two miles south of Schuylerville; but about 1890 was torn down lest tramps 
burn it. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 2P7 

nil. 

stationed on the high hill across the Hudson, who signals to 
the American army at its encampment on.Bemis Heights, only 
a few miles south of where Burgoyne's entire army is marching. 
Reaching Dovegat (written Dovegot by Burgoyne and others 
of the time ; duivenkot, Dutch for dove-cote ; called Coveville in 
1906), Burgoyne halts his army, using the Sword's one-story 
wooden farm-house for his own resting-place, while his army 
pitches tents on the low hills to the west of it. (This house was 
standing in 1888, in good condition ; but some time previous to 
1900 it was removed — an act of historic vandalism — because 
it was ramshackle and harbored tramps who were likely to set 
a newer building, near it, afire. It was about tvv'o miles south 
of the present Schuylerville and close to the Champlain canal, 
on the property of Charles H. Searles, just west of the southern 
abutment of his canal bridge, the canal here rumiing east and 
west.) Sept. 15. 

General Gates is now commanding the right or eastern flank of the 
American army and using Bemis' Tavern as his headquarters. 
Gen. Benedict Arnold is in command of the left or western 
wing, over Generals Morgan and Poor, and using the Neilson 
farm-house or fort (standing in 1906) for headquarters, 

Sept. 15. 

Burgoyne's army remains in the neighborhood of the Dovegat house 
while he conducts several regiments to protect about two hun- 
dred workmen who go out to repair bridges, and he also tries 
to discover the locality of the enemy. They proceed about three 
miles, or to a point about five miles to the south of Fish Creek 
(south end of Schuylerville), and when there hear to the south 
of them the beating of drums, Sept. 16. 

The entire British army is now encamped in regulation order at the 
Sword's farm, Dovegat, when they are fired on by the Ameri- 
cans, quite a few being killed and about twenty soldiers carried 
off as prisoners, Sept. 17. 

Burgoyne had often wondered why General Howe had not, long- 
before this, shown some sign of co-operation with his own 
movements. He had accepted the proposition to assume charge 
of the campaign proceeding south from Canada, when he was 
in England, on the condition that either Howe or another equally 
valorous general should be given explicit orders to progress 
northward from New York and form a combined attack at 
Albany from above and below, that place having been regarded 
as the strongest fortified place to be encountered and the most 
obstructive locality to the British hopes of possessing free pas- 



3o8 Ai:RAiiA:\r cornelis cuyler. No. 26. 



1777. 



sage up the entire valleys of the Hudson and the Mohawk, for 
from there they wished to direct their armies westward as far 
as Niagara, northward to hold complete possession to the St. 
Lawrence, and from there to start eastward through the New 
England states to suhjugate the hotbed of American patriotism. 
Burgoyne had felt that he was carrying out the scheme not only 
to the best of his abilities, but with great success. He was 
accomplishing all that he had set out to do and was within forty 
miles of Albany, positive, as he told his men. that they should 
eat their Christmas dinner at Albany. But whenever he heard 
from Howe or learned about his movements he was always 
leading his men in otjier directions^ into other colonies, in fact 
mostly in an opposite direction. All this is because Howe, un- 
like Burgoyne, did not receive absolute orders. They w^ere 
written, but not sent from England, and he assumed the posi- 
tion that he was practically free to carry out plans as he saw 
best at the time. Lord George Germaine, the colonial secretary, 
at London, had stopped at his ofifice one day when orders were 
prepared for his signature, to be sent to Burgoyne and Howe. 
The manner in which the papers for Howe were written did 
not suit his fancy, and giving directions to have the set for 
Howe recopied, he had driven off to a social function. The next 
day they were forgotten and pigeon-holed by mistake, not to 
turn up until the matter of American independence was finally 
settled. Free to act. General Howe had sent Sir Henry Clinton 
to the north with a ])ortion of the troops, while he turned south 
to the Delaware, and liurgoyne received little or no attention, at 
least not wdiat he had been led to expect at the start, Sept. 18. 

Albany Aldermen order lead taken from all windows, Sept. 18. 

The Americans are anxious to learn the number of the enemy, so 
Lieut. -Colonel Colburn (New Hampshire) goes out v/ith a 
scouting party, and crossing to the east ban.k of the Hudson, 
they climb trees to gain a view of Burgoyne's camp. They esti- 
mate its largeness as some eight hundred tents, and perceive 
much action in the neighborhood, which they interpret to indi- 
cate preparations for an advance. When Gates learns these 
facts he likewise makes ready for a battle. Burgoyne arranges 
his army in three columns. General Eraser commanding the 
right, furthest from the river; Burgoyne in charge of the cen- 
ter with the 9th, 20th, 2ist and 62nd Regiments, Canadians and 
Indians. Generals Riedesel and Phillips were io i^iarch south, 
as the left wing, by the river road, to within half a mile of the 
Americans. At 11 a. m., Burgoyne advances tow'ards Gates' 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 30y 

1777. 

Hue on Bemis Heights. The intention of Gates, being a|i<''risecl 
of the British plans by scouts, is to keep his army inside his 
fortifications ; but Arnold perfectly construes the plan of the 
enemy to form a juncture of its forces at the Middle ravine, and 
urges Gates to allow him to go out and engage the enemy 
before it could reach their camp with the artillery, explaining 
that then, if driven back, they could rally at the breastworks of 
the fortified position, whereas if they were unsuccessful in the 
first encounter and were overpowered by luimbers and arma- 
ment they would be forced to fiee pell-mell down the river road 
to Albany. Gates yields finally to the extent of allowing General 
Morgan, and later General Dearborn, to go out with their ex- 
pert riflemen. Burgoyne had been hampered at the start by 
having to make a bridge and clearing the road of obstructions, 
and it is 12 130 p.m. when Morgan and Dearborn meet his Indians 
under Major Forbes, as a scouting party near the Freeman 
farm-house. The conflict between Americans and llritish. 
Gates pitted against Burgoyne, begins. The Americans suffer 
a terrible loss, but Morgan's men pursue until they are in con- 
tact with the main body, when he again suffers severely. Never- 
theless he rallies his men with the " turkey-call " whistle. He 
is reinforced by regiments under Cilley and Scammel. and at 
one o'clock they attack unitedly. Burgoyne forms his line of 
battle at the north side of Isaac Freeman's farm, a clearing of 
about fifteen acres, all the rest being dense woods. General 
Fraser was leading Burgoyne's right wing, to the west of the 
farm, at the start ; but wheels with the purpose of flanking Mor- 
gan at the left, when suddenly he finds Arnold in the Middle 
ravine with New York and New Hampshire regiments, who 
had set out to separate him from the rest of Burgoyne's army. 
It is now, 4 o'clock, that the action of the day is becoming 
general and furious. Fraser, for the British, was the courage- 
ous, inspiring spirit, and Arnold was the same, — intrepid, en- 
thusiastic and encouraging - — on the American side. These 
indomitable leaders, each anxious in the face of death to be 
the victor, are now pitted against each other. Neither gives 
thought to personal safety, and each gallops hither and thither 
up and down the field issuing orders in a ringing voice, while 
exhorting the various bodies as they rush apast on horseback. 
At 5 o'clock Burgoyne's army is in mortal peril ; but the Ger- 
man grenadiers under Colonel Breyman force Arnold's troops 
back. One moment the Americans rush after the British, and 
almost the next they meet with an assault at the point of the 



3IO ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1777. 



bayonet that hurls them back, to sweep across the field to a 
])oint of safety, the British after them. Morgan's sharpshooters, 
scattered all over in the branches of trees, take steady aim in 
their unnoticed vantage points, and pick ofT numbers of British 
officers, doing valorous work throughout the afternoon. 
Finally, as dusk sets in, Riedesel hastens upon the scene from 
where he had been busy down by the river, and strikes the 
Americans' right a bad blow with his German or Hessian troop- 
ers, and has the hardihood to post Pausch's battery to the south 
of the Freeman farm-house. The Americans withdraw, and 
had not Burgoyne ordered the fight to cease, Riedesel and Fra- 
ser might have accomplished a victory for the British ; but as 
it is, both sides claim a victory. So deadly had been the after- 
noon's work that the Americans lost ten per cent, of those par- 
ticipating, or 319 men either killed or badly wounded. But 
this was not so poor a record as the British made. Their loss 
was 600 men, or twenty per cent, of those engaged, and to illus- 
trate it more forcibly it may be noted that of the 500 men in 
the 62nd British regiment only 60 reported. Sept. 19. 

The British, down the Hudson below Albany, take the river forts, 
and clearing away the log boom and mammoth iron chain 
stretched across the river in Aprrl, their vessels sail into New- 
burgh Bay. Sept. 19. 

L)urgoyne, immediately after the battle's close on the previous day, 
had planned to keep the fighting continuous, and at night had 
sent orders for a renewal of hostilities at daybreak. As a result 
rations are served in early morning light. The unusually heavy 
fog rolling up from river and creek does not lift at the time the 
troops had previously been ordered to march, and they are told 
to wait until they will be able to see the enemy at half a mile's 
distance. General Fraser suggests that the men be allowed to 
rest and that they be given the entire day for the purpose. Had 
Burgoyne known that the Americans had very nearly exhausted 
their ammunition the day before and were counting on Mr. Van 
Rensselaer moulding" the lead into bullets, that the inhabitants 
of Albany had been ordered by the Council to obtain by remov- 
ing the lead from the windows, and which General Schuyler 
was so busy shipping to the front, box by box, as rapidly as 
the lead is cast, the British general could have ordered his men 
to attack the forces of Gates with full impunity, and readily 
have driven them from their camp, possibly all the way to 
Albany. Burgoyne, therefore, consents to rest the men for 
that day, to allow repairs, and to succor the wounded as well as 




BEMIS HEIGHTS BATTLE WELL. 

To this well on the Freeman farm of Bemis Heights the wounded crawled by scores to 
ack their death thirst after the great battle of Sept. 19, 1777, and next day a mass of corpses 
as found there. This spring still in use in igo6. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 3II 

17 77. 



to bury the dead. Gates had been advised by a spy about the 
early morning orders of Burgoyne, and is all the forenoon in 
mortal dread lest the British appear ; but to his surprise none 
of the regiments comes his way. The day is spent in burying 
the dead, almost a thousand interments taking place before 
sunset. Most of the killed have to be placed in shallow trenches, 
and about all are left even without markers. A large propor- 
tion of the dead is found near a well or spring on the Freeman 
farm. This was because the wounded soldier in his death thirst, 
caused by the loss of blood, had crawled to this spot to allay 
his thirst, a pit of cold water bubbling in the field where they 
had fought so valiantly. Some are found at the brink, where 
they had supped and breathed their last ; others had crawled 
that far and in order to reach the water had dragged them- 
selves over the dead bodies of their comrades, when they, too, 
had succumbed, unable to move away. In fact there are about 
a score in the space of a few yards, and others sprawled in 
that direction, the cold, stiffened hand grasping shrubs or 
clutching the grass, in dragging themselves along, the inference 
being that one and all in this vicinity had been intent upon 
quenching an inexpressible thirst by gaining the Freeman well. 
(This spring was used for farm purposes then and was to be 
seen in 1906.) Despite the covering of the bodies with earth, 
the hungry wolves scent their prey, and come out in numbers 
from the wilderness woods at night, Sept. 20. 

Burgoyne receives a message sent by Sir Henry Clinton, telling him 
that he is prepared to leave New York and ascend the Hudson, 
capture Albany and come directly to his aid. Of course this 
had been written a week or ten days previous, the British army 
being some one hundred and sixty miles north of New York 
city. Consequent upon this despatch he decides to take no 
initiative in the fighting ; but is resolved to wait in camp until 
Gates is forced by Clinton's attack to lessen his army by 
dispatching a goodly portion of his troops to succor Albany, 

Sept. 21. 

Burgoyne. counting upon Washington ordering the Americans 
southward, for the British coming up the Hudson are burning 
dwellings, barns and fall crops that no one had dared to harvest, 
spends his time in improving the strength of his fortifications 
on Prospect Hill, north of Fish Creek, half a mile at the most. 
He also occupies now a part of the Freeman farm. To the 
northwest of the farm-house, not more than sixty rods, he con- 
structs a strouQ- redoubt. Fifteen rods north of that house he 



312 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CL'YLEk. No. 2 J. 

1777. 



builds another. Only a few rods southwest of the battle well 
on the Freeman farm he erects the Great Redoubt. He believes 
his position well-nigh impregnable, Sept. 22. 

More redoubts are constructed by Burgoyne. He does his best to 
make his camp hard to reach from the south, where are the 
Americans. Having fortified the southwest angle' of his camp, 
he turns his attention to the southeast and builds smaller re- 
doubts, connected by intrenchments running eastward to the 
blufif on the west shore of the Hudson. Some of these are 
made by filling earth between parallel tiers of rails held upright 
by posts driven into the ground. The three hills north of Wil- 
bur's Basin also receive redoubts. His hospital and magazines 
he places on the flats, and he extends a pontoon bridge across 
the river at Wilbur's Basin for the benefit of foraging parties. 
The northern limits of his camp he also protects, causing a line 
of breastworks to be constructed, Sept. 2;^. 

Wolves, in enormous packs, had been attracted by the scent of the 
innumerable dead, and congregate at the battlefield so that even 
the soldier feared life at such a place. Sometimes they prowl 
near the camp at night. Their howls, fighting over corpses, 
send thrills through the trooper as he tries to sleep, for he 
knows it may be his turn to be their food before another sunset. 
They sleep in their clothes, ready for a summons at any moment. 
Altogether they wish they were away from the place, Sept. 24. 

At this time the armies are so closely encamped that orders given by 
the officers in one are heard distinctly at the other. Occasionally 
a soldier may exchange words or call names to another. Only 
a dense woods makes them seem apart. The pickets of each 
are continuously being shot at by those serving the enemy in 
the same capacity, and one hardly dares to depart from the 
protected encampments for water or to gather food. Sept. 25. 

The British army's position at this time is laid out with Riedesel 
and his German troops on the level above the river, with some 
companies below on the river flats to guard the hospital. Fraser 
is to the west with the right wing, with Colonel Breyman at 
the redoubt to the extreme right, and the Indians protected by 
the breastworks, Sept. 26. 

All the American officers had noticed that following the battle of 
the 19th, when Arnold by his exploit was considerably praised 
by the men in common, he had been shown a decided coolness 
by Gates, and this has developed into open rupture by Gates 
relieving him of his command. No mention had been made of 
Arnold by Gates in his report of the fight to the Congress, 



No. 26. ABRAHAxM CORNELIS CUYLER. 



313 



1777. 



althoui^h the former had rendered the most vahant service in 
rahying- the forces when the tide was turning in marked favor 
of the British. Some suppose the shght was the outcome of 
jealousy because Arnold in his courageous work in the north 
had received the admiration of Schuyler, and that Gates was 
acting thus toward Arnold because a friend of Schuyler, Sept. 27. 

In the early evening Burgoyne calls a council of his officers, stating 
to them at the conference tliat he has provisions for but sixteen 
days, and no news from Sir Henry Clinton to tell whether he 
was making progress on the lower Hudson. He is in ignorance 
that General Howe had succeeded at Germantown, and that the 
Americans along the river's two banks were fleeing in alarm, 
northward to Albany for safety. General Riedesel advises a 
hurried retreat, falling back to Lake George, by abandoning the 
artillery and avoiding Fort Edward, pass up to the west of the 
lake. General Fraser is opposed to retreating, as it is his 
nature to fight and to battle courageously on every opportunity 
offering, although he sees the wisdom of what Riedesel sug- 
gests, while General Phillips ventures no suggestion. Burgoyne 
does not look with favor on a retreat. He had come to con- 
quer, he had much to expect by returning victor to England, 
and he had uttered the famous remark that the British army 
never retreats. He therefore decides upon a reconnoitre in 
force in order to perceive whether there is an elevation to the 
west of General Gates from wdiich to gain a vantage ground 
for a conflict, and if unsuccessful order a retreat, Oct. 5. 

The Assembly having suddenly adjourned at Kingston, Oct. ist, 
fearing approach of enemy, the Senate speedily does the same, 

Oct. 7. 

General Burgoyne stands committed to make a determined fight 
before considering a retreat to the north, and the most critical 
day of the campaign opens. Everything is bustle in both 
camps, — Burgoyne's troops making active preparations to en- 
gage the enemy; Gates learning of the intentions of the British 
and making ready to receive an assault. At 10 o'clock, 1,500 
of the most expert troopers under Burgoyne, led by four ex- 
perienced generals, taking two 12-pounders, six 6-pounders and 
two howitzers, the skirmishing van composed of Canadian 
rangers and Indian allies, move in three columns toward the 
west wing or the left of the American position on Bemis 
Heights, the locality being a wheat-field, where they attempt 
to cut forage. Burgoyne is accompanied by Generals Fraser, 
Riedesel and Phillips in his reconnaissance. They proceed two- 
thirds of a mile to the southwest, and deploy in the clearing 



314 ABRAHAM JORNFXIS CUYLICR. No. 26. 

1777. 

of the farm, where they seat themselves while Fraser's brigade 
forages in the wheat. They are on a slope bordering ^Middle 
Ravine on the north, and the highway connecting Bemis 
Heights with Quaker Springs, further west, runs through the 
British position to the left of the center. The Earl of Balcarras 
is stationed with the light infantry on the right ; the Hessians, 
imder Riedesel, and a battery of two 6-pounders, under Pausch, 
at the center; Majors Ackland and Williams, with artillery and 
grenadiers, on the left. General Fraser had already been sent 
out with a force of five hundred grenadiers to a high piece of 
ground with the hope of stealing to the left of the Americans, 
so as to engage the enemy while the British managed to gain a 
vantage point of slight elevation west of the American position, 
and several officers climb to the top of a roof to observe the 
lay-out of the enemy's camp with spy-glasses. The British ad- 
vance is announced at the American headquarters and Gates, 
taking it to mean that the British ofifer battle, asks of Colonel 
Wilkinson, his aide, "What would you suggest?" To this 
query of moment the latter replies, " I would indulge him." 
Gates then tells him, " Order out Morgan and begin the game.' " 
General Morgan and his Virginia sharpshooters are the pick of 
the Americans. They had an excellent record, and had been 
sent north by Washington on purpose to insure success to a 
faltering and critical cause. Morgan is told to circuit to the 
west and strike at the enemy's flank, being allowed time to 
reach the location, and while General Poor and his brigade are 
assailing the left flank. Dearborn's rifles and Learned's brigades 
are to engage the center. At 2 :30 o'clock, General Poor, with 
New York and New Hampshire troops, moves steadily through 
the woods in the direction of the British left. When prepared, 
the Americans dash forward, open fire right and left, flank the 
enemy, and blast him with a deadly fire, closing and grappling 
hand to hand, in this manner five or six times in the first hour 
taking and retaking a single cannon. The Virginians rush im- 
petuously, seemingly careless of life ; but withal acting with 
preciseness, as those realize who receive their deadly aim, and 
the British right wavers. A great struggle takes place near 
Williams' battery, and six times one of his 12-pounders is cap- 
tured and retaken ; but Major Williams is at last made prisoner, 
and Major Ackland is badly wounded. This disaster creates a 
panic among the grenadiers of the British, who, with leaders 
lost to them, turn and flee. Colonel Cilley leaps upon a British 
cannon and proclaiming it dedicated to the cause of patriotism,. 




FORT NEILSON. 

In this building, standing in 1906, south of Schuylerville, Gen. Gates jealously- 
held Gen. Arnold back " lest he do something rash " ; but Arnold heard the roar of 
cannon, mounted his charger and dashed out of a sally port. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 3I5 



1777. 



orders it turned and fired on the British. At this juncture the 
New Englanders sweep up and break the British hue. The 
enemy flees, but reforms and again advances. The entire 
American force having impelled itself upon the British center 
held by the Germans, one side or the other but needs a little 
more help to win. Morgan now takes note of Fraser in his 
advanced position, gains the western ridge and like a mighty 
avalanche his troops impel themselves upon the Fraser forces 
with such vehemence that they move back to the main body, 
after which he flanks the British right, and presses it directly 
back. Gen. Benedict Arnold had not only been relieved of his 
command by Gates a few days previous, but held at the Ncilson 
fort, he had asked Gates to allow him to serve in the ranks as 
a common soldier. Gates had refused. Arnold hears the noise 
of conflict half a mile away, cannot stand the strain of military 
inactivity at such a time, his strenuous spirit strains at such 
restraint, and leaping upon his fiery bay charger, puts spurs to 
his steed and dashes through a sally port, off for the scene of 
activity of which he craves to become a part. Gates on per- 
ceiving this act hurriedly sends a rider, Major Armstrong, after 
him, with orders to bring Arnold back lest he injure the Ameri- 
can cause by doing "some rash thing." Some might term it 
rashness, but it is the sort of rashness that wins the day for the 
Americans and brings them the credit of one of the fifteen 
greatest victories in the world's history instead of defeat. 
Arnold places himself at the head of a detachment of Learned's 
brigade. This he would under ordinary circumstances have a 
perfect right to do as Learned was below him in rank, and it 
is but his first move, for it is not long before he is rallying all 
the American forces on his wild dashes up and down the entire 
line, vehemently exhorting the troops to take courage, renew 
their vigor and fight their best. He leads them in a charge 
against the center, held by the Hessians. He even conducts 
his followers, with shouts that encourage men who had wavered 
under their other leader, right through the lines of the British. 
Major Armstrong, sent by Gates to head'him off and bring him 
back to Fort Neilson, dares not follow him in his courageous 
charge; but waits at a respectful distance, possibly realizing 
that he would endanger the success which is coming the Ameri- 
cans' way. Fraser feels it imperative to rally his men to the 
relief of the Germans, realizing that Arnold is waging the dead- 
liest fight of the day. He leads the 24th Regiment valiantly, 
and the reliance of the British is restored. He is the inspiring 



3l6 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1777. 



genius for the British upon whom Burgoyne now relies, as he 
had depended on him throughout the entire campaign in 
America. Morgan notices that Fraser is Hkely to place the 
day's fight to the credit of the British unless the effective work 
begun by Arnold is reinforced, and believes that by combining, 
or rather co-operating with Arnold, the two will save the day. 
Morgan, therefore, opposed directly against Eraser's brigade, 
calls a few of his sharpshooters about him, and (possibly as 
suggested to him by Arnold, as some think) tells them: " That 
gallant officer on tlie gray horse is General Fraser. I admire 
and respect him. but it is necessary for our cause that he should 
die. Take your station in that clump of trees and do your 
duty." (Some critics of the fight have found it to their whim 
to criticise this act as murder ; but it would seem to be ridicu- 
lous if each side were continuously picking out that portion of 
the opposition which the enemy can spare the most readily, in- 
stead of thinking that the quickest result will ensue by crippling 
the enemy at its strongest parts if that be as easily accomplished 
as injuring its ineffective points that are doing a minimum of 
damage. Surely one must be thinking of sparing the men of 
his own side by doing the greatest harm to the enemy in the 
shortest time so that he surrenders. The fight might be brought 
to a halt by removing the leader.) It is not many minutes after 
this incident that General Fraser falls from his horse, mortally 
wounded in tlie intestines by a ball delivered by Timothy Mur- 
phy, sharpshooter, perched in a tree about one thousand feet to 
the southwest. (A solid granite tablet, in 1906, marks where 
he fell. From an examination of the wound later, it is believed 
by the surgeons that had he partaken of a less hearty meal be- 
fore the fight, the bullet would not have pierced the intestine, 
which was inflated when shot.) He is tenderly carried from 
the field by his comrades, and Burgoyne in person takes his 
place in command of the brigade. General Abraham Ten 
Broeck, from Albany (not long afterwards elected the city's 
2Bth Mayor) leading three thousand fresh troops, comes upon 
the scene, and the American column, now greatly encouraged, 
shouts exultingly. Burgoyne abandons his guns and retreats 
northward to his camp. Scarcely had the British reached their 
redoubts when the courageous, impetuous Benedict Arnold, 
spurring his horse's fianks until the animal seems to skim the 
sward without touching it, rides up, and galloping from one 
end of the American line to the other, urges the men on to the 
enemy's redoubt, and they drive the British in wildest disorder 




GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. 

It was almost entirely due to his valiant leading in the furious charges 
that the Americans won the Battle of Saratoga. In many previous 
instances he had been seriously slighted by superiors and given inferior 
commands. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 31/ 



1777. 



at the point of the bayonet. Then, galloping- to the extreme 
right, he bids the ]\Iassachn setts troops to follow, and leading 
them he advances to the breastworks, where his bay charger is 
shot from under him; he is himself shot in the leg and sinks 
to the ground amidst a surging mass of humanity that is madly 
beating- one another with the butt of musket or giving deadly 
thrusts with bayonet. At one of the times that Colonel Wilkin- 
son returns to Gates at his headquarters, a locality not v,;ithin 
the danger range of gunshot, for he never exposed himself to 
any possibility of risk, to report the progress of the fighting, 
he wonders at the placidity of the American general in remain- 
ing so far absent while such an important engagement is at its 
height and conditions changing each moment so as to need a 
guiding spirit, in fact the battle is manceuvred by the generals 
hidependently of the one at headquarters. Wilkinson finds that 
Sir Francis Clarke, a wounded British officer, had been brought 
to headquarters as a prisoner in Gates' care. With this royal- 
ist Gates had spent upwards of an hour, with the battle raging 
meanwhile, in a heated argument over the relative merits of 
the British and patriotic cause, and Gates, unable to conquer 
the spirit of Sir Francis Clarke, turns petulantly to Wilkinson. 

saying, "Did you ever see such an impudent son of a b h?" 

It was now possible for Gates' aide. Major Armstrong, to 
come up to him ; but his orders to have Arnold return to Fort 
Neilson before he did anything " rash," were to be carried out 
in any event, for the wounded general is borne away to the 
American camp. The disaster to the right flank by the British 
army induces Lieut. -Colonel Speht to recover Colonel Brey- 
man's lost position ; but he accepts poor advice and he, with his 
four officers and fifty men, is taken prisoner by an American 
detachment. Burgoyne, on perceiving his right flank to be as 
an open gate, is glad that darkness oft'ers a good excuse for 
both sides to stop fighting. The Americans had sufi^ered 150 
killed and wounded, with Arnold the single commissioned officer 
wounded. The British had 700 killed and wounded, with 
General Fraser, Sir Francis Clarke and Colonel Breyman fatally 
wounded; Colonel Speht, Majors Williams and Ackland held 
prisoners, the latter also badly wounded. Colonel Wilkinson 
makes a record of the appearance of the battlefield as it appears 
on his leaving it that day, in the following words : " The ground 
which had been occupied by the British grenadiers presented a 
scene of complicated horror and exultation. In the square space 
of twelve or fifteen yards lay eighteen grenadiers in the agonies 



3l8 AI'.RAIIA.M CORXELIS CUVLER. No. 26. 



1777. 



of death, and three officers propped up against stumps of trees, 
two of them mortally wounded, bleeding-, and almost speechless. 
With the troops I pursued the flying enemy, passing over killed 
and wounded until I heard one exclaim, ' Protect me, sir, against 
this boy.' Turning my eyes, it was my fortune to arrest the 
purpose of a lad in the act of taking aim at a wounded officer 
who lay in the angle of a worm fence. Inquiring his rank, he 
answered, 'I had the honor to command the grenadiers;' of 
course I knew him to be Major Ackland, who had been brought 
from the field to this place by one of his men. I dismounted, 
took him by the hand and expressed hopes that he was not badly 
wounded. ' Not badly,' replied the gallant officer ; ' but very 
inconveniently ; I am shot through both legs, ^^'ill you, sir, 
have the goodness to have me conveyed to your camp?' I di- 
rected my servant to alight and we lifted Ackland to his seat, 
and ordered him to be conducted to headciuarters." It is to be 
noted that while Gates, a mile from the scene of battle, had won 
the battle, insofar as his generals proved the better generals 
and his men marksmen superior to the British, Burgoyne was 
present on the field, exposed to the fury of the fight, his hat 
and clothing pierced by shot and torn by bayonet. Gates, at 
the close of the day, learns of the valor of ]\Iorgan and realizes 
that he is likely to stand high with the Congress after this day, 
so he suggests to Morgan (possibly fearing in his jealousy of 
spirit that he may be superseded by him in rank) that he desert 
Washington and help supplant him as chief in command of the 
American army. Morgan will not listen to such a scandalous 
proposition, and replies, " I will serve under no other man but 
Washington." Gates is piqued. He writes a report of the 
day's battle, telling how he ( ?) won it, and hardly mentioning" 
Morgan's name. So anxious is he to hold the place of Wash- 
ington that he ignores his commander-in-chief and forwards 
his report to the Congress. At night, Burgoyne moves his 
army to the low ground near the river. His generals urge him 
to leave useless baggage behind and make for Canada ; but Bur- 
goyne has thirty carts laden with his wines, his manifold 
changes of gorgeous costumes, and many personal effects which 
he refuses to relinquish, Oct. 7. 

Baron Friedrich Adolph von Riedesel, commander of the Brunswick 
contingent, had brought his wife with him from Germany, a 
brave little woman, of education and marked ability for closely 
observdng affairs and making good literary record of them. 
While the fight was in progress this day she occupied one of 




GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN. 

He led the sharpshooters at Bemis Heights, the flower 
of the American army, and rendered valiant service Oct. 
7, 1777. His men shot the British General Eraser upon 
whom Burgoyne relied for success. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 319 

1777. 



the very few houses of the place, the Sword's house on the 
river bank. It is two and one-half miles northeast of the Free- 
man farm-house, where the fighting was so severe, and four 
miles northeast of the place where Gates has his headquarters, 
which latter spot is about a mile south of the Freeman farm- 
house. vShe had expected Generals Burgoyne, Fraser and Phil- 
lips to dine with her in the afternoon, should the conflict be 
over in time ; but was disappointed in a most sorrowful way, as 
she relates in her own words, as follows : " About four o'clock 
in the afternoon, instead of the guests who were to have dined 
with us, they brought in to me upon a litter poor Fraser, mort- 
ally wounded. Our dining table, which was already spread, 
was taken away, and in its place they fixed up a bed for the 
general. I sat in a corner of the room, trembling and quaking. 
The noises grew continually louder. The thought that they 
might bring in my husband in the same manner was to me 
dreadful, and tortured me incessantly. The general said to the 
surgeon, 'Do not conceal anything from me. INIust I die?' 
The ball had gone through his bowels precisely as in the case 
of Major Harnage. Unfortunately, however, the general had 
eaten a hearty breakfast, by reason of which the intestines were 
distended, and the ball had gone through them. I heard him 
often, amidst his groans, exclaim, ' O fatal ambition ! Poor 
General Burgoyne ! J\Iy poor wife !' Prayers were read to 
him. He then sent a message to General Burgoyne, begging 
that he would have him buried the following day at six o'clock 
in the evening, on the top of a hill which was a sort of redoubt. 
I knew no longer which way to turn. The whole entry was 
filled with the sick, who were suffering with the camp sickness 
— a kind of dysentery. I spent the night in this manner; at 
one time comforting Lady Ackland, whose husband was 
wounded and a prisoner, and at another looking after 
my children, whom I had put to bed. As for myself, I 
could not go to sleep, as I had General Fraser and all the other 
gentlemen in my room, and was constantly afraid that my chil- 
dren would wake up and cry, and thus disturb the poor dying 
man, who often sent to beg mv pardon for making me so much 
trouble." Oct. 7. 

Madam Riedesel inscribes in her diary a graphic description of the 
death of British General Fraser and of the seriousness of the 
attempt to leave the shelter of the house to bury him, while 
under fire of the Americans. (As it pictures the seriousness 
of war and shows what both sides underwent in the Revolution, 



320 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

it is here given in her words as translated, in 1867, t>y William 
L. Stone, Esq., from her " Letters," who performed the same 
act a year later reg^arding the records of her husband, the 
general.) The account is as follows: " About three o'clock in 
the morning they told me that he could not last much longer. 
I had desired to be apprised of the approach of tliis moment. 
I accordingly wrapped up the children in the coverings, and 
went with them into the entry. Early in the morning, at eight 
o'clock, he died. After they had washed the corpse, they 
wrapped it in a sheet and laid it on a bedstead. We then again 
came into the room, and had this sad sight before us the whole 
day. At every instant, also, wounded officers of my acquaint- 
ance arrived, and the cannonade began. A retreat was spoken 
of, but there was not the least movement made toward it. About 
four o'clock in the afternoon I saw the new house which had 
been built for me, in flames ; the enemy, therefore, were not far 
from us. We learned that General Burgoyne intended to fulfill 
the last wish of General Eraser, and to have him buried at six 
o'clock in the place designated by him. This occasioned an un- 
necessary delay, to which a part of the misfortunes of the army 
was owing. Precisely at six o'clock, the corpse was brought 
out, and we saw the entire body of generals with their retinues 
assisting at the obsequies. The English chaplain. Mr. Brude- 
nell, performed the funeral service. The cannon-balls flew con- 
tinually around and over the party. (The American General, 
Gates, afterward said that if he had known that it w-as a burial, 
he would not have allowed any firing in that direction.) ]\Iany 
cannon-balls also flew not far from me, but I had my eyes fixed 
upon the hill, where I distinctly saw my husband in the midst 
of the enemy's fire, and therefore I could not think of my own 
danger." Burgoyne's own description of the funeral of Eraser 
is told in the following words : " The incessant cannonade dur- 
ing the solemnity ; the steady attitude and unaltered voice with 
which the chaplain officiated, though frequently covered with 
dust which the shot threw up on all sides of him ; the mute but 
expressive mixture of sensibility and indignation upon every 
countenance — these objects will remain to the last of life upon 
the mind of every man who was present. The growing duski- 
ness added to the scenery, and the whole marked a character of 
that juncture that would make one of the finest subjects for the 
pencil of a master that the field ever exhibited. To the canvas, 
and to the faithful page of a more important historian, gallant 
friend, I consign thy memory. There may thy talents, thy 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. 321 

1777. 

manly virtues, their progress and their period, find due distinc- 
tion ; and long may they survive, long after the frail record of 
my pen shall be forgotten !" vSo soon was the funeral service 
concluded, Burgoyne issues orders for a retreat, and is com- 
pelled to steal away, northward, at night, leaving nearly four 
hundred British soldiers in the hospitals to the mercies of the 
Americans. At 9 o'clock the army begins its retrograde move- 
ment in a pouring rain, Riedesel leading the van and Phillips 
bringing up the rear. Burgoyne sends Lieut. -Colonel Suther- 
land and a scout, in the shadow of the complete darkness of a 
stormy night, to observe the position of tlie enemy, who find 
General Fellows with 1,300 men occupying the hill just north 
of Fish Creek (site of the monument erected in 1877) and about 
one mile west of the Hudson. He had been sent there previous 
to the Ijattle of the day before by Gates, to prevent the British 
from crossing north of the creek. Sutherland passes around 
Fellows' entire camp unobserved, a hazardous undertaking, and 
on his return begs Burgoyne to allow him to make an attack ; 
but the latter, realizing that he has not a man to lose and no 
means of supporting many more prisoners, refuses to consent, 

Oct. 8. 
Two hours before daybreak, Ikirgoyne arrives at Dovegat, three or 
four miles south of Fish Creek ( Schuylerville) and orders a 
halt. Everyone is of the opinion that he is making a serious 
mistake not to continue his reatreat with the utmost speed, for 
in another hour he might have overtaken Fellows, annihilated 
his command, and marched to the ford at the Battenkill, two 
miles beyond. Riedesel makes a note in his record to the effect : 
" Everyone was, notwithstanding, even then of the opinion that 
the army would make but a short stand, merely for its better 
concentration, as all saw that haste was of the utmost neces- 
sity, if they would get out of a dangerous trap." It was the 
final opportunity for Burgoyne to escape from the Americans, 
and his protracted halt here (and at Schuyler's homestead later 
in the day) costs him his army. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, 
the British army moves northward along the highway and be- 
cause General Fellows had destroyed the bridge not a hundred 
yards from Schuyler's house, wades the Fish Creek, where, 
without tents because they had abandoned them and much 
equipage that afternoon at Dovegat, the army bivouacs on the 
wet ground. As they ford the stream, they notice the rear of 
General Fellows' detachment ascending the eastern bank of the 
river on their way north along the east shore, to take position 



322 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. No. 26, 

1777. 



north of where the Battenkill empties into the Hudson. This 
would prevent General Burgoyne from making use of the ford 
there should he attempt a retreat to Canada. He can now go 
in no direction without fighting. Burgoyne and his stafif. with 
their wives, repair to the Schuyler homestead, although the 
General and his wife had some weeks before removed most of 
their valuables. It is a far better shelter through the stormy 
evening than that provided for his men, who sleep under trees 
covered with oil-cloth. Madam Riedesel has the following ac- 
count in her diary as to what transpires there : " I was wet 
through and through by the frequent rains, and was obliged 
to remain in this condition the entire night, as I had no place 
whatever where I could change my linen. I therefore seated 
myself before a good fire and undressed my children, after 
which we laid down together upon some straw. I asked 
General Phillips, who came up to where we were, why he did 
not continue our retreat while there was yet time, as my hus- 
band had pledged himself to cover it and bring the arsny 
through. ' Poor woman,' answered he, * I am amazed at you. 
Completely wet through, have you still the courage to wish to 
go further in this weather? Would that you were our com- 
manding general ! He halts because he is tired, and intends 
to spend the night here, and give us a supper.' '' To relieve 
his mind of the pressing anxiety, Burgoyne and his companions 
set out to enjoy the night as far as in their power, and manage 
to have a rollicking time in the mansion of General Schuyler, 
as the " Brunswick Journal " relates : " The illuminated man- 
sion of General Schuyler rang with singing, laughter, and jing- 
ling of glasses. There Burgoyne was sitting with some merry 
companions at a dainty supper, while the champagne was flow- 
ing. Near him sat the beautiful wife of an English commissary, 
his mistress. Great as the calamity was, the frivolous general 
still kept up his orgies. Some were even of opinion that he had 
merely made that inexcusable stand for the sake of passing 
a merry night. Riedesel thought it his duty to remind his 
general of the danger of the halt, but the latter returned all 
sorts of evasive answers." Oct. 9. 

Lady Harriet Ackland had accompanied her husband. Major John 
Dyke Ackland of General Burgoyne's grenadiers, on the ex- 
pedition, and shared his' tent with him no matter what the 
danger, until he was mortally wounded on the 7th and carried 
into the American cam]). Instead of being one of Burgoyne's 
dimier i)artv at the Schuyler house, she has a fearful experience 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. 323 

17 77. 

for a woman. For two days she had worried about his fate, 
and finally accepted the suggestion of Baroness Riedesel to 
apply to Burgoyne for permission to go to the enemy's camp 
to nurse him. When she broached the subject to him he 
thought the idea preposterous for so frail a person to carry 
out, as shown by this entry in his records : " Though I was 
ready to believe that patience and fortitude in a supreme de- 
gree were to be found, as well as every other virtue, under 
the most tender forms, I was astonished at this proposal. After 
so long an agitation of spirits, exhausted not only for want of 
rest, but absolutely want of food, drenched in rains for twelve 
hours together, that a woman should be capable of such an un- 
dertaking and delivering herself to an enemy, probably in the 
night and uncertain of what hands she might fall into, appeared 
an effort above human nature. The assistance I was enabled 
to give was small indeed. All I could furnish to her was an 
open boat, and a few lines, written upon dirty wet paper, to 
General Gates, recommending her to his protection.'' General 
Burgoyne's note to enable her to pass into the enemy's lines 
reads as follows: "Major-General Gates, Sir: — Lady Harriet 
Ackland, a Lady of the first distinction by family, rank, and by 
personal virtues, is under such concern on account of Major 
Ackland, her husband, wounded and a prisoner in your hands, 
that I cannot refuse her request to commit her to your pro- 
tection. Whatever general impropriety there may be in persons 
acting in your situation and mine to solicit favors, I cannot 
see the uncommon perseverance in every female grace, and ex- 
ultation of character of this Lady, and her very hard fortune, 
without testifying that your attentions to her will lay me under 
obligation. I am. Sir, Your obedient servant, J. Burgoyne." 
She sets out at night, amidst a blinding downpour of rain, in 
in a small open boat, with a crew, accompanied by Rev. Edward 
Brudenell, chaplain to the artillery, her maid and her husband's 
valet, and at lo o'clock reaches the American pickets, whom 
she answers herself on being hailed. They pass ashore, and she 
is welcomed by ]\Iajor Henry Dearborn, who serves her a 
supper and offers her his room in a log cabin (some records 
say a tent) for the night, he first assuring her of her husband's 
more hopeful condition, Oct. 9. 

In the morning. General Gates courteously receives Lady Harriet 
Ackland bearing Burgoyne's letter to him, and she is given 
escort to the tent of Joseph Bird to see her husband. Bur- 
goyne's aide, Adjutant-General Wilkinson, describes the inci- 



324 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 



1777. 



dent in his record in these words, which also furnish another 
hght on the character of Gates : " I visited the guard before sun- 
rise. Lady Ackland's boat had put off, and was floating" down 
the stream to our camp, where General Gates, whose gallantry 
will not be denied, stood ready to receive her with all the ten- 
derness and respect to which her rank and condition gave her 
a claim. Indeed, the feminine figure, the benign aspect and 
polished manners of this charming woman were alone suffi- 
cient to attract the sympathy of the most obdurate ; but if an- 
other motive could have been wanting to inspire respect, it was 
furnished by the peculiar circumstances of Lady Harriet, then 
in that most delicate situation which cannot fail to interest the 
solicitudes of every being possessing the form and feelings of 
a man." (Unfortunately, Major Ackland appreciated the 
kindness of the enemy so deeply that on his return to England 
he defended American courtesy and kindness in an argument 
with a companion, who took offense, challenged him to defend 
his honor for speaking so highly of the King's enemy, and was 
killed.) " ' Oct. 10. 

Burgoyne and staff leave General Schuyler's homestead in the 
morning, following his night of revelry, and wade Fish Creek, 
not much more than a hundred feet to the north of the mansion. 
As it is impossible now to lead his artillery out by way of the 
Battenkill ford, because of General Fellows and his 1,300 men- 
who had gone there the previous afternoon, he ascends Prospect 
Hill (site of the monument on Saratoga Heights, known in 1905 
as Schuylerville) and erects a large, fortified camp. At noon 
Gates' army is ready to march, and the front reaches Saratoga 
(Schuylerville) about 4 o'clock, when the camp of Burgoyne 
is discovered on the heights across Fish Creek, consequently 
the Americans stop in the forest on the high ground about a 
mile south of the kill, with Colonel Morgan to the front. 
General Gates makes his headciuarters in the small, wooden 
farm-house of the Widow Kershaw, a mile south of Schuyler's 
mansion, on the highway. Major Stevens, of the American 
forces on the east bank, attempts to place cannon on the plain 
by the river to fire at Burgoyne's men at work on the landing 
on the west shore ; but no sooner does he discharge a shot than 
the British discover his whereabouts and return the fire, strik- 
ing Stevens' ammunition wagon which bursts and causes a 
mighty cheer to go up from the whole British army. Bur- 
goyne sends two regiments under IJeut. -Colonel Sutherland 
to follov/ the road directlv north along the west shore of the 




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1777. 



Hudson to Fort Edward to learn whether there was any enemy 
hkely to impede a retreat, and to repair bridges. (General Sta k 
was hold.ng that place., I, had nearly reached that loc Ihy 
when a n,essage ,s received fron, ]!urgoyne ordering a hurried 
return, as he was m fear of attack. Bv error Gates is told 
that evening that Bnrgoyne's arn,y had retreated to Fo E^ 
ward, leaving only a s.uall detach„,ent to gr,ar<l the camp bag- 
gage and w,th no further investigation issues orders th!t 
the Anur.cans assault this guard before the fog of the 
nver and o the k.ll separating the two armies, lifts tt th. 
ntorntng. Upon the two armies approaching so closely Bur 
|o.vne late n, the day, orders the mansion of General Phil p 
Schuy er. together with his nulls, barns and all other buildi gs 
about the homestead, to be fired. There is a conflagration iS 
. hnn,„es the sk.es for nn'les around, and property of the val an 

^t two'TcloV"™"".' ™'""' "' ^^"■'^ SO.. "P in sn,oke Oct To 

At two o clock on the same afternoon that the British army had 

moved northward beyond Fish Creek, Madam Riedese drives 

v,th her young daughters about three miles northward a ong 

the rtver road to the Marshall house, the experience descrbef 

the firroTr'-^ '°"°"'r " -"r"' '™ "'^'-^ -' .he .1™' 

tne hr ng of can),on and small arms was again heard and all 
was alarm and confusion. My husband sent m a n'ssage 
elhng me to betake myself forthwith into a house no tfr 
from there. I seated n,y.,elf in the calash with my chHdren 
and had scarcel,. driven np to the house when I saw on the 
opposite SKle of the Hudson river five or si.x men wTth guns 
wh ch were auned at ns. Aln,ost involuntarilv I Threw the 
ch Idren on the botton, of the calash and n,vself over them 
At the same ntstant the churls fired, and shattered the arm of 

a l^Trwrfr,"'"^ in.o the house. In,n,ediately after our 
arrval a frightful cannonade began, principally against the 

en mlblnJ^d ;;" "'■^°"-"'^' ^'""'"- P™''""' '— ' '^ 
tha all tl ''""^' '° "'""'■ 1"=°^'' flo-^king around it 

that all the generals made it their headquarters. Alas' it har 

o htd'to'ta^" "T'"'"' '°'"'"-'' °^ «'"-"•' ^''^ -« "X 
ht a^orler not 7. f '" ', "'I=""' "' "•'"■^'' ' '^'<J ""'self down 
the earth witl,, ,''°"] "'' *"'"• ">' ^''"'"'■«' l^v down on 

palsed H,e ent ■ f'"' ?°" "'>' '^P' ^"'' ''" ""s inanner we 
pa.sed the ent.re night. A horrible stench, the cries of the 
children, and yet more than all this, my own an<nli,h pre 
vented me from closing my eyes." q^J^^ 



326 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.^ 

1777. 

General Gates is not a little nettled by the actions of the British in 
burning and devastating American estates, and on receipt of 
Burgoyne's letter to him takes occasion to refer to this in most 
striking terms in a letter that he sends back to the British gen- 
eral, as follows : " Sir : I have the honor to receive your Ex- 
cellency's letter by Lady Ackland. The respect due to her 
ladyship's rank, and the tenderness due to her person and sex, 
were alone sufficient securities to entitle her to my protection, 
if you consider my preceding" conduct with respect to those of 
your army whom the fortune of war has placed in my hands. 
I am suprised that your Excellency should think that I could 
consider the greatest attention to Lady Ackland in the light of 
an obligation. The cruelties which mark the retreat of your 
army, in burning gentlemen's and farmers' houses as they pass 
along, is almost, among civilized nations, without a precedent. 
They should not endeavor to ruin those they could not conquer. 
This conduct betrays more of the vindictive malice of the 
bigot, than the generosity of a soldier. Your friend. Sir Fran- 
cis Clarke, by the information of the director-general of my 
hospital, languishes under a dangerous wound. Every sort of 
tenderness and attention is paid to him as well as to all the 
wounded who have fallen into my hands, and the hospital, 
which you were obliged to leave to my mercy. * * * j am, 
Sir, Yours, Horatio Gates. To General Burgoyne, Saratoga." 

Oct. II. 

That the Americans kept harassing Burgoyne's army whenever an 
opportunity offered, and proved themselves good marksmen, 
is borne out by what Madam Riedesel notes as she goes on 
with her diary. " On the ( following ) morning, the cannonade 
again began, but on a different side. [On the former day the 
shots came from Furnival's battery which was north of the 
Battenkill Creek, and on this day from Fellows' battery op- 
posite Schuylerville, the former from the northeast and the 
latter from the southeast, both batteries across the Hudson 
river, which is comparatively narrow, a quarter of a mile, at 
this locality.] I advised all to go out of the cellar for a little 
while, during which time I would have it cleaned, as otherwise 
we would all be sick. They followed my suggestion, and I at 
once set many hands to work, which was in the highest degree 
necessary ; for the women and children being afraid to venture 
forth, had soiled the whole cellar. After they had all gone out 
and left me alone, I for the first time surveyed our place of 
refuge. It consisted of three beautiful cellars, splendidly arched. 




MARSHALL HOUSE. 

Madam Riedesel made this farmhouse her home for several days, sleeping in the 
cellar with her three children, while eleven cannon balls, fired by Americans across 
the Hudson from the east bank passed through its walls. It was standing in 1906, but 
modernized in part by repairs. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 327 

1777. 

I proposed that the most dang-erously wounded of the officers 
should be brought into one of them ; that the women should 
remain in another; and that all the rest should stay in the 
third, which was nearest the entrance. I had just given the 
cellars a good sweeping, and had fumigated them by sprinkling 
vinegar on burning coals, and each one had found his place pre- 
pared for him — when a fresh and terrible cannonade threw us 
all once more into alarm. Many persons, who had no right to 
come in, threw themselves against the door. My children were 
already under the cellar steps, and we would all have been 
crushed, if God had not given me strength to place niyself 
before the door, and with extended arms prevent all from 
coming in ; otherwise every one of us would have been severely 
injured. Eleven cannon-balls went through the house, and we 
could plainly hear them rolling over our heads. One poor 
soldier [Jones, a British surgeon] whose leg they were about 
to amputate, having been laid upon a table for this purpose, 
had the other leg taken off by another cannon-ball, in the midst 
of the operation. His comrades all ran off, and when they 
again came back they found him in a corner of the room, 
where he had rolled in his anguish, scarcely breathing. I was 
more dead than alive, though not so much on account of our 
own danger, as for that which enveloped my husband, who, 
however, frequently sent to see how I was getting along, and 
to tell me that he was still safe. The wife of Major Harnage, 
a Madam Reynels, the wife of the good lieutenant who the 
day previous had so kindly shared his broth with me, the wife 
of a commissary, and myself, were the only ladies who were 
with the army [although about three-score soldiers brought 
their wives along and there were, all-told, some three hundred 
w'omen accompanying Burgoyne's campaign]. We sat together 
bewailing our fate, when one came in, upon which they all 
began whispering, looking at the same time exceedingly sad. I 
noticed this, and also that they cast silent glances toward me. 
This awakened in my mind the dreadful thought that my hus- 
band had been killed. I shrieked aloud, but they assured me 
that this was not so, at the same time intimating to me by signs, 
that it was the lieutenant — the husband of our companion — 
who had met with misfortune. A moment after she was called 
out. Her husband was not )'et dead, but a cannon-ball had 
taken off his arm close to the shoulder. During the whole 
night we heard his moans, which resounded fearfully through 
the vaulted cellars. This poor man died toward morning. We 



328 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. No. 26. 

1777. 



spent the remainder of this night as the former ones. In the 
meantime my husband came to visit me. which hghtened my 
anxiety and gave me fresh courage." Oct. ii. 

Before the dawn, Burgoyne has learned that Gates had been uninten- 
tionally fooled by his sending two regiments ofif to Fort Edward 
the day before, and prepares for a sunrise attack. General 
Morgan had been led to believe that he was to find only a 
small body of men on Saratoga Heights ( site of the monument, 
Schuylerville), and leads his men across Fish Creek under pro- 
tection of a heavy fog. It is now that a picket shoots down 
a lieutenant and two privates, and Morgan has misgivings as 
to the reliability of the news about a deserted camp that had 
been told him by Gates. Down by the river, the xA.mericans' 
right, is Colonel Wilkinson. From thirty-five British prisoners 
just made he learns that Burgoyne had not gone; he was anx- 
iously awaiting an attack in his fortified position, so he sends 
an aide wnth all dispatch to Gates with the message : '' Tell 
the general that his own fame and the interests of the cause 
are at hazard ; that his presence is necessary with the troops." 
Evidently he knows that the matter must be placed plainly and 
urgently before the commander of the Americans to get him 
to leave liis (luarters some distance to the south. Gates does 
not appear nevertheless ; he never had come within a mile of 
any fighting, and does not now. The only things he knows 
about a conflict is what is brought by word of aides. The fog 
lifting, the American line perceives the British and beats a 
precipitate retreat to the south of Fish Creek, excepting far u^' 
on the hill from the river, in the woods, where are Morgan 
and Learned, not more than five hundred feet to the south 
of the British stronghold on Prospect Hill. Both of these 
generals are loth to accept Wilkinson's urgent admonition to 
retreat, and would maintain that they had started out with 
orders from Gates to make an attack ; but realizing that Gates 
did not know anything about the actual situation, they cautiously 
move away, as they are told the right wing has already done. 
An officer and several men are sacrificed before they have 
decided what to do. If Gates' subordinate officers had not acted 
on tlieir own initiative. Gates would have sufi:'ered a defeat, 

Oct. II. 

The care of the sick had become a serious ciuestion. Madam Riede- 
sel did what she could to alleviate ; but no conveniences or 
facilities being at hand, her limit is to ofi:'er succor and comfort 
in conjunction with her tender ministrations. She tells about 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 329 

1777. 

her self-appointed task this day in these words : " However, 
we got things better regulated. IMajor Harnage, his wife, and 
Mrs. Reynels made a little room in a corner, by hanging cur- 
tains from the ceiling. They wished to fix up for me another 
corner in the same manner, but I preferred to remain near 
the door, so that in case of fire I could rush out from the room. 
I had some straw brought in and laid my bed upon it, where 
I slept with my children — my maids sleeping not far from us. 
Directly opposite us three English officers were quartered — 
wounded it is true ; but, nevertheless resolved not to be left 
behind in case of a retreat. One of these was Captain Green, 
aide-de-camp of General Phillips, a very valuable and agreeable 
man. All three assured me, upon their oaths, that in case of 
a hasty retreat, they would not leave me, but would each take 
one of my children upon his horse. For myself, one of my 
husband's horses constantly stood saddled and in readiness. 
Often my husband wished to withdraw me from danger, by 
sending me to the Americans ; but I remonstrated with him 
on the ground that to be with people whom I would be obliged 
to treat with courtesy, while perhaps my husband was being 
killed by them, would be even yet more painful than all I was 
now suffering. He promised me, therefore, that I should 
henceforward follow the army. Nevertheless, I was often in 
the night filled with anxiety lest he should march away. At 
such times I have crept out of my cellar to reassure myself, and 
if I saw the troops lying around the fires (for the nights were 
already cold), I would return and sleep quietly. On the third 
da}^ I found an opportunity for the first time to change my 
linen, as my companions had the courtesy to give up to me a 
little corner ; the three wounded officers meanwhile standing 
guard not far off. Our cook saw to our meals, but we were 
in want of water ; and in order to quench our thirst I was 
often obliged to drink wine, and give it also to the children. 
The continued danger in which my husband was encompassed, 
was a constant source of anxiety to me. I was the only one 
of all the women whose husband had not been killed or wounded, 
and I often said to myself — ' shall I be the only fortunate one ? ' 
As the great scarcity of water continued, we at last found a 
soldier's wife who had the courage to bring water from the 
river, for no one else would undertake it, as the enemy shot at 
every man who approached the river. This woman, however, 
they never molested, and they told us afterward that they 
spared her on account of her sex. I endeavored to divert my 



33° ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

mind from my troubles by constantly busying- myself with the 
wounded. I made them tea and coffee, and received in return 
a thousand benedictions. Often, also, I shared my noon-dav 
meal with them. One day a Canadian officer came into our 
cellar who could scarcely stand up. We at last got it out of 
him that he was almost dead with hunger. I considered myself 
very fortunate to have it in my power to offer him my mess. 
This gave him renewed strength, and gained for me his friend- 
ship. One of our greatest annoyances was the stench of the 
wounds when they began to suppurate. One day I undertook 
the care of Major Bloomfield, adjutant to General Phillips, 
through both of whose cheeks a small musket-ball had passed, 
shattering his teeth and grazing his tongue. He could hold 
nothing whatever in his mouth. The matter from the wound 
almost choked him, and he was unable to take any other 
nourishment except a little broth, or something liquid. We had 
Rhine wine. I gave him a bottle of it, in hopes that the 
acidity of the wine would cleanse his wound. He kept some 
continually in his mouth, and that alone acted so beneficially 
that he became cured, and I again acquired one more friend."' 

Oct. 12. 
Burgoyne begins to doubt seriously whether he will be able to win 
a victory. He also wonders whether it is still possible to retreat 
to the north. So convinced is he that a crisis has been reached, 
as he studies the diniinishing provisions and the American 
regiments taking new fortified positions about him, he decides 
to hold a consultation with his officers. Late in the afternoon, 
he summons them to a council, and tells his staff that he has 
heard no news from Sir Henry Clinton regarding his approach 
up the Hudson to Albany, which lie had counted on to influence 
a withdrawal of a large part of the troops from the Saratoga 
field. Accordingly, Burgoyne issues orders that they break 
camp that night, provided the distribution of provisions could be 
made before ii o'clock. At lo o'clock he is notified by General 
Riedesel that everything was in readiness, and astounds his 
staff by announcing that he considers it too late and that the 
army is to remain until the morrow, Oct. 12. 

General Burgoyne's decision of the previous night, not to move 
north until this day, postponed the action until too late for 
accomplishment. He is now surrounded. The one gap that 
had been open to his escape from the circle of American 
troops had been to the north of his camp, and this was closed 
by General Stark sending his troops during the night from the 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 33 1 

1777. 



east to the west sliore of the Hudson on rafts above the mouth 
of the Battenkill, whereupon they had erected a battery on the 
hill. Moreover, the Americans had cast a floating bridge 
across the river, north of P'ish Creek, to Fellows' regiment on 
the east bluff, so tliat Gates" army could march about Burgoyne's 
position at will. The Americans now have fortified places at 
the four sides of the square that has the British army boxed, — 
Gates to the south. Stark to the north, Morgan to the west. 
Fellows on the east bank of the river. This box was hardly 
more than from two to three miles on either side, each genera! 
not three miles distant from the one on his right or left. As 
a matter of fact, not a British soldier can now hope to pass in 
safety from any part of the square. A shot from Fellows* 
battery carries the ham from Burgoyne's table and is an un- 
comfortable incident of the meal. He later stands outside 
beneath an oak and a cannon-ball speeds across the river and 
lodges in the tree. He calls another general council of his 
officers, including the captains, and it takes but a short time 
to decide unanimously, for rifle-balls continually perforate his 
tent, and an 1 8-pound cannon-ball sweeps across the table where 
the generals are seated. Burgoyne is convinced that to sur- 
render is not only the wisest course, but honorable. Arriving 
at this conclusion, he sends a flag of truce to Gates to inquire 
whether he will receive a " field officer on a matter of high 
moment to both armies," and to this Gates sends answer that 
he would, naming lo o'clock the next morning as a time agree- 
able to him, Oct. 13. 
General Burgoyne selects Major Robert Kingston to bear his mes- 
sage to General Gates. At 9 o'clock he descends the eastern 
slope of Prospect Hill from the British camp, and turning 
southward less than half a mile, crosses Fish Creek by the few- 
rafters remaining thrown across. On the other side, he is met 
by Colonel Wilkinson, Gates' representative, who blindfolds 
him and conducts him afoot southward a mile or more. Gen- 
eral Gates reads Burgoyne's letter, requesting a cessation while 
arranging terms for an honorable surrender. Gates replies that 
fighting will cease while they negotiate, and he outlines his 
terms ; that the British must surrender as prisoners of war and 
must lay down their arms in their entrenchments, on command 
of their adjutant-general. Burgoyne reads these terms aloud 
to his officers, and all agree that such terms are incompatible 
with their views of an honorable surrender. Accordingly, at 
sunset. Gates' terms are returned with a messasfe that his men 



332 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

to a man would die ere his army accept such a proposition. 
He accompanies his answer with an outHne of what terms would 
be acceptable 10 the British. By this time Gates has received 
word from Putnam that Sir Henry Clinton, with his British 
army, had broken the chain across the Hudson, had passed 
north of the forts with his vessels, and having- destroyed King- 
ston, he was on his way to Albany, burning all the houses on 
his way and devastating the farms. He realizes that he will be 
called upon in another day to move his army down to protect 
Albanv from Clinton's army, and thus he consents readily to 
permit his enemy to dictate his terms, Oct. 14. 

In order that all details of the treaty might be adjusted to suit 
both parties, two men are chosen by each general, and for the 
accommodation of the four a tent is pitched south of the Fish 
Creek. Burgoyne is desirous to arrange that the army shall 
be returned to England in order that they may still be of 
service to the crown, on condition, of course, that thev fight 
no more in North America. The Americans raise no objection, 
and with the serious news from Putnam that the British under 
Clinton are coming up the Hudson, hope to hasten matters and 
allow their army to move without a day's delay back to Albany. 
At 8 o'clock in the evening the four men have reached a com- 
promise, largely in the wordings, that should not injure Bur- 
goyne's most sensitive feelings, and they separate, pledging 
that their generals will sign the following" day. Late at night 
Burgoyne's spy succeeds in getting back to the British camp, 
having been ferreting for news in Gates' quarters. He breaks 
the news to Burgoyne that Clinton, with his large army, is 
proceeding up the Hudson to Albany, then to harass Gates in 
his rear. This creates hope that by bringing about a delay in 
the negotiations Gates will fall away within twenty-four hours. 
He spends the night in deep thought, planning his course, and 
sends a messenger to awake Riedesel and tell him that he is 
considering the breaking of the agreement reached by the repre- 
sentatives that afternoon, Oct. 15. 

Early in the morning Burgoyne summons his generals to an im- 
portant council. He announces what the spy had narrated to 
him after dark the night before, and he asks their opinion, 
whether in view of the likelihood that Gates must surely aban- 
don his position in order to succor Albany, or at least greatly 
weaken his force by detaching all the regiments he estimates 
he can spare, they think he is justified in repudiating the agree- 
ment as now drawn up and awaiting signature. He tells them 




SURRENDER TREE, SCHUYLERVILLE. 

Burgoyne yielded to the Americans when he signed the "Articles of 
Convention " here on Oct. i6, 1777, and between this tree and the river 
the British laid down their arms. It was destroyed by fire about 1890. 
The formal surrender took place two miles south on Oct. 17th. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 333 



1777. 



that he had sent a message to Gates, in order to make such a 
course feasible, saying he had heard it stated that he had 
reduced his army for certain good reasons (meaning to rein- 
force the fortifications at Albany ) since they had begun nego- 
tiating, and he had made the request that before he decided 
to sign the articles he be allowed to send two officers to view its 
size. Gates was greatly angered at this delay, and Colonel 
Wilkinson was forthwith dispatched with a statement on the 
subject that sets Burgoyne's apprehension at rest, and when the 
parley continues he becomes so impatient that he sends word 
to Burgoyne that he must either sign at once or fight. Riedesel 
and Phillips had finally convinced Burgoyne that to recede 
would be in the highest degree dishonorable. Not knowing 
what determination Burgoyne is arriving at. Gates orders 
his army to line up in battle array. At 9 o'clock Burgoyne 
descends Prospect Hill, and standing beneath a tall elm growing 
beside the highway, signs the Articles of Convention. The 
important document is then taken over to General Gates for 
his signature, Oct. 16. 

The Articles of Convention, being the surrender of the British to 
the Americans at Saratoga battlefield, as signed the morning of 
this day by Alajor-General Horatio Gates and Lieutenant- 
General John Burgoyne, reads as follows : "ARTICLES OF 
CONVENTION between Lieutenant-General Burgoyne and 
Major-General Gates. I. The troops under Lieutenant-General 
Burgoyne. to march out of their camp with the honors of war, 
and the artillery of the intrenchments, to the verge of the 
river where the old fort stood, where the arms and artillery 
are to be left ; the arms to be piled by word of command from 
tiieir own officers. II. A free passage to be granted to the 
army under Lieutenant-General Burgoyne to Great Britain, on 
condition of not serving again in North America during the 
present contest ; and the port of Boston is assigned for the 
entry of transports to receive the troops .whenever General 
Howe shall so order. III. Should any cartel take place, by 
which the army under General Burgoyne, or any part of it, 
may be exchanged, the foregoing article to be void as far as 
- such exchange shall be made. IV. The army under Lieutenant- 
General Burgoyne', to march to Massachusetts Bay, by the 
easiest, most expeditions and convenient route ; and to be 
quartered in, near, or as convenient as possible to Boston, that 
the marcli of the troops may not be delayed when transports 
arrive to receive them. V. The troops to be supplied on their 



334 AJIRAIIA.M CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 



march, and during- their being in quarters, with provisions by 
General Gates' orders at the same rate of rations as the troops 
of his own army; and if possible, the officers' horses and 
cattle are to be supplied witli forage at the usual rates. VI. 
All officers to retain their carriages, batt-hor.ses and other 
cattle, and no baggage to be molested or searched ; Lieutenant- 
General Burgoyne giving his honor that there are no public 
stores secreted therein. Major-General Gates will, of course, 
take the necessary measures for the due performance of this 
article. Should any carriages be wanted during the march for 
the transportation of officers' baggage, tliey are, if possible, to 
be supplied by the country at the usual rates. VII. Upon the 
march, and during the time the army shall remain in quarters 
in Massachusetts Bay, the officers are not, as far as circum- 
stances will admit, to be separated from their men. The officers 
are to be quartered according to rank, and are not to be hindered 
from assembling their men for roll call, and other necessarv 
purposes of regularity. MIL All corps whatever, of Lieuten- 
ant-General Burgoyne's army, whether composed of sailors, 
bateaumen, artificers, drivers, independent companies, and the 
followers of the army, of whatever country, shall be included 
in the fullest sense and utmost extent of the above articles and 
comprehended in every respect as British subjects. IX. All 
Canadians and persons belonging to the Canada establishment, 
consisiting of sailors, bateaumen, artificers, drivers, independent 
companies, and any other followers of the army, who come 
under no particular description, are to be permitted to return 
there ; they are to be conducted immediately by the shortest 
route to the first British post on Lake George, are to be supplied 
with provisions in the same manner as the other troops, and 
are to be bound by the same condition of not serving during 
the present contest in North America. X. Passports to be 
immediately granted for three officers, not exceeding the rank 
of captain, who shall be appointed by Lieutenant-General Bur- 
goyne, to carry dispatches to Sir William Howe, Sir Guy Carle- 
ton, and to Great Britain, by the way of New York ; and 
Major-General Gates engages the public faith, that these dis- 
•|)atches shall not be opened. These officers are to be set out 
immediately after receiving their dispatches, and are to travel 
the shortest and in the most expeditious manner. XL During 
the stay of the troops in Massachusetts Bay the officers are to 
be admitted on parole, and are to lie allowed to wear their 
side-arms. XII. Should the armv under Lieutenant-General 




SARATOGA MCNUMENT. 



SCHUY».£RV»I.L£,N,Y, 



SCHUYLERVILLE MONUMENT. 

This granite obelisk, 154 ft. liigh, commemorates the battles at 
Bemis Heights on Sept. 19th, at Schuylerville (Saratoga in 1777) on 
Oct. 7th, and surrender of British under Burgoyne on Oct. 17, 1777. 
Corner stone laid on the centennial; completed, June, 1883; base, 40 ft. 
Bronze statue in east niche (left) of Gen. Philip Schuyler, facing the 
Hudson and his home that Burgoyne burned. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 335 



1777. 



Burg-ovne find it necessary to send for their clothing and other 
baggage to Canada, they are permitted to do it in the most 
convenient manner, and the necessary passports granted for 
that purpose. XIII. These articles are to be mutually signed 
and exchanged to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, and the 
troops under Lieutenant-General Burgoyne are to march out of 
their intrenchments at three o'clock in the afternoon. ( Signed ) 
Horatio Gates, Major-General ; (Signed) J- Burgoyne, Lieu- 
tenant-General. Saratoga, Oct. i6th, 1777." Oct. 16. 
Charter election did not take place this year because of the war with 
Gt. Britain, Oct. 16. 
Kingston, N. Y., where the Legislature had been holding session.") 
up to October 7th, burned by the British, Oct. 16. 
General Schuyler at Albany, living in the Schuyler Mansion in the 
southern part of the city, has all the news brought to him from 
Saratoga in order to follow events. Before coming here his 
own wife had applied the torch to the fields of grain at their 
home at Schuylerville (known as Saratoga) in order that no 
relief might be afiforded the enemy, this after he had been re- 
placed by Gates, and the British had burned his fine country- 
place, the house, barns, granaries and stables, the result of years 
of economy, thought and solicitude, Oct. 16. 
General Schuyler receives the news of surrender while at Albany, 
and about to depart for the scene, writes to Colonel Varick, his 
former secretary, having at the same time learned of the de- 
struction of his home by the enemy : " The event that has taken 
place makes the heavy loss I have sustained sit quite easy on 
me. Britain will probably see how fruitless her attempts to 
enslave us will be. I set out to-day." Oct. 17. 
General Schuyler arrives at Saratoga (Schuylerville, his home,) and 
is introduced to General Burgoyne. (What transpired is best 
narrated in the words of Burgoyne, speaking later before the 
House of Commons). "I expressed to General Schuyler my 
regret at the event which had happened, and the reasons which 
had occasioned it. He desired me to think no more of it, saying 
that the occasion justified it, according to the rules of war. 
* * * He did more : he sent his aide-de-camp to conduct 
me to Albany, in order, as he expressed it, to procure me better 
quarters than a stranger might be able to find. This gentleman 
conducted me to a very elegant house, and, to my great sur- 
prise, presented me to Mrs. Schuyler and her family ; and in this 
General's house I remained during my whole stay at Albany, 
with a table of more than twenty covers for me and my friends, 
and every other possible demonstration of hospitality." Oct. 17. 



336 ABRAHAAI CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26. 

1777. 

As soon as the morning' breaks on this important day in American 
history, fraught with so great direct concern to Albany's safety, 
Colonel Wilkinson arrives at Burgoyne's tent. He has been 
sent by Gates to wait on him in any way he may require, as 
a courtesy of military life. Dressed in showy regimentals, 
Burgoyne rides with him on horseback to select a place at 
which to surrender the British arms. They go to the flats 
bordering the left shore of the Hudson and select the site 
of the ruins of Fort Hardy, which had l^een built in 1755. 
Burgoyne asks Wilkinson whether the river at this spot is 
fordable, and is told, " Certainlv, sir, but do you observe the 
people on the opposite bank?" If Burgoyne entertains the 
idea of making a break for liberty either by himself or upon 
his army coming there to lay down their arms, taking the 
Americans off-guard, he dissuades himself of such a scheme, 
and wheels his charger about, Oct. 17. 

At 1 1 o'clock the British army marches to the site of Fort Hardy 
to lay down their arms. There is to be no scene of humiliation 
for the conquered. Gates has ordered all Americans to stay 
away. The only Americans to view the surrender are the two 
aides of Gates, Colonels Morgan Lewis and James Wilkinson. 
Many of the men are in tears, some kiss their muskets ere 
they place them in rows that reach from Fish Creek, opposite 
Schuyler's homestead, northward to the Marshall house, about 
two miles, while others purposely, in anger, break them, kicking 
in their drum-heads and hurling their muskets against rocks. 
Of the scene Lieutenant Digby's journal says : " As to my own 
feelings, T cannot express them. Tears (though unmanly) 
forced their way. I could have burst to give myself vent." 
Before the royal army is ready to march away, Burgoyne ex- 
presses the desire to meet the American general. Colonel 
Wilkinson departs to arrange an interview. ^Meanwhile, Bur- 
goyne bestows scrupulous attention upon his toilet, and when 
he emerges from his tent is attired in full court costume, his 
chapeau astream with gorgeous plumage. On the other hand. 
Gates dons his simple, blue overcoat, with very little thereon 
to indicate his rank. Burgoyne, with his entire staff and his 
generals with their suites in full dress, rides with Colonel Wilk- 
inson to the head of the American camp, where they are met 
by General Gates. Of this notable presentation. Colonel Wilk- 
inson's description is as follows : " When they approached 
nearly within sword's length they reined up and halted ; I then 
named the gentleman and Burgoyne, raising his hat most 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 337 



1777. 



gracefully, said : ' The fortune of war. General Gates, has 
made me your prisoner ;' to which the conqueror replied, ' T shall 
always be ready to bear testimony that it has not been through 
any fault of your Excellency.' Major-General Phillips then 
advanced and he and General Gates saluted and shook hands. 
Next Baron Riedesel and the other officers were introduced in 
their turn, and as soon as the ceremony was concluded I left 
the army and returned to the British camp." ( It is also reported 
that on General Burgoyne being presented to General Gates, 
the latter used the customary English greeting of the day, " I 
am very happy to see you," to which the British general replied, 
'■ I believe you are; the fortune of the day is entirely yours.") 
General Philip Schuyler, who had ridden hurriedly up from 
Albany, has been among those to receive Burgoyne, clad in 
citizen's costume, and he is presented, as are the officers of 
General Gates. They then enter the marquee of the American 
general and seat themselves at dinner. The banquet on this 
occasion is served upon boards laid across barrels ; they drink 
rum mixed with water. Burgoyne proposes a toast to General 
Washington, and Gates in turn courteously asks all to drink to 
the health of the king. The conversation following is uncon- 
strained and even jovial. While dinner is in progress, the 
British army, without arms and on its way to the seaboard, 
intending to make Stillwater before dusk, it now being 3 
o'clock, is heard approaching. The American army is drawn 
up in line and its band is playing " Yankee Doodle " with mucli 
unfeigned spirit. Upon a staff floats a flag of the American 
colors, adopted by the Congress on June 14th of this year, and 
improvised as an earliest use of them, from pieces taken 
from the coats of the officers the day before, that the victorious 
army might not be without its national flag. By a precon- 
certed arrangement. Generals Burgoyne and Gates step out 
from the marquee and in the presence of the two armies, Bur- 
goyne draws his sword and presents it to General Gates. He 
receives it with a courteous bow, and returns it to General 
Burgoyne. The surrender is consummated, Oct. 17. 

In the evening (it is related, 1900, by John W. Koons of Quaker. 
Springs, Saratoga county, a grandson of the participant) Bur- 
goyne slept in a tent at Wilbur's Basin, with Jacob Koons as 
sentinel. Koons was a Dutchman by descent, born in Dutchess 
county and married to Polly Wheeler of Brunswick, Rensselaer 
county. He had been captured in an earlier engagement in 
Canada, and recalliuQ- how Buroovne had made the American 



338 abraha:m cornelis cuyler. No. 26. 

1777. 



prisoners watch his army on parade and had told them they 
were to eat their Christmas dinner and make merry at Albany, 
he embraces the opportunity as he patrols apast the entrance 
to the tent, to stick his head in and ask the general about his 
vaunting promise, Oct. 17. 

General Schuyler's attitude the day of the surrender is well described 
by the wife of the German General Riedesel, who accompanied 
her husband with their three children and wrote a very readable 
account of the happenings of that important day : " In the pas- 
sage through the American camp, I observed with great satis- 
faction, that no one cast scornful glances. On the contrary, 
they all greeted me, even showing compassion on their counte- 
nances at seeing a mother with her little children in such a situ- 
ation. I confess that I feared to come into the enemy's camp, 
as the thing was so entirely new to me. When I approached 
the tents, a noble looking man came toward me, took the chil- 
dren out of the wagon, embraced and kissed them, and then 
with tears in his eyes helped me also to alight. ' You tremble.' 
said he to me ; ' fear nothing.' ' No,' replied I, ' for you are 
so kind and have been so tender toward my children, that it 
has inspired me with courage.' He then led me to the tent of 
General Gates, with whom I found Generals Burgoyne and 
Phillips, who were upon an extremely friendly footing with 
him. Burgoyne said to me, ' You may now dismiss all your 
apprehensions, for your sufferings are at an end.' * * * All 
the generals remained to dine with General Gates. The man 
who had received me so kindly came up and said to me, * It may 
be embarrassing to you to dine with all these gentlemen ; come 
now with your children into my tent, where I will give you, it 
is true, a frugal meal, but one that will be accompanied by the 
best of wishes.' ' You are certainly,' answered I, ' a husband 
and a father, since you show me so much kindness.' I then 
learned that he was the American General Schuyler. He enter- 
tained me with excellent smoked tongue, beef steaks, potatoes, 
good butter and bread. Never have I eaten a better meal. I 
was content. * * * As soon as we had finished dinner he 
invited me to make my residence at his house, which was situ- 
ated in Albany, and told me that General Burgoyne should be 
there." Oct. 17. 

By the surrender, the Americans ac(iuire at a critical time an excel- 
lent train of brass artillery, consisting of 42 guns of various 
calibre ; 4.647 muskets ; 400 sets of harness, together with much 
ammunition. At this time Gates was in command over 17,091 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. 339 

1777. 

efifective militia men and 9,093 Continentals, making a total 
of over 25,000 men and a startling increase over the 2,000 
soldiers that had been sent to General Schuyler to make the 
same campaign. The British troops surrendering number 5,804 
men, Oct. 18. 

Committee of Safety at Albany resolves : " That the Quarter Master 
and the Committee appointed to take the Lead out of the Win- 
dows do immediately enter upon that necessary business." 

Oct. 18. 

General Burgoyne, General Riedesel, his wife with their three chil- 
dren, and several others of their party, arrive at Albany and 
are escorted to the Schuyler Mansion. General Riedesel's 
wife's account, as written by her, is as follows : " We arrived 
at Albany, where we had so often longed to be. But we came 
not, as we supposed we should, as victors ! We were, neverthe- 
less, received in the most friendly manner by the good General 
Schuyler, and by his wife and daughters, who showed us the 
most marked courtesy, as also General Burgoyne, although he 
had — without any necessity, it was said — caused their mag- 
nificently built houses to be burned. But they treated us as 
people who knew how to forget their own losses in the mis- 
fortunes of others. Even General Burgoyne was deeply moved 
at their magnanimity, and said to General Schuyler, ' Is it to 
me, who have done you so much injury, that you show so much 
kindness?' 'That is the fate of war/ replied the brave man; 
' let us say no more about it.' " Oct. 18. 

De Chastellux relates: "The British commander (Burgoyne) was 
well received by Mrs. Schuyler, and lodged in the best apart- 
ment in the house. An excellent supper was served him in the 
evening, the honors of which were done with so much grace 
that he was affected even to tears, and said with a deep sigh, 
' Indeed, this is doing too much for a man who has ravaged 
their lands and burned their dwellings.' " Oct. 18. 

In the morning, while Burgoyne and his party were visitors at the 
Schuyler Mansion, De Chastellux relates, in speaking of the 
commander of the British forces, " He was reminded of his 
misfortunes by an incident that would have amused anyone else. 
His bed was prepared in a large room ; but as he had a numer- 
ous suite, or family, several mattresses were spread on the floor 
for some officers to sleep near him. Schuyler's second son 
(Philip J.), a little fellow about nine years old, very arch and 
forward, but very amiable, was running all the morning about 
the house. Opening the door of the saloon, he burst out 



340 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUVLER. No. 26. 

1777. 



a-laughing on seeing all the English collected, and shut it after 
him, exclaiming, 'You are all my prisoners!' This innocent 
cruelty rendered them more melancholy than before." Oct. 19. 

Alexander Hamilton visits Gen. Philip Schuyler at the Mansion in 
the southern part of the city, to consult about taking part of 
General Gates' army away to help General Washington, Gates* 
at this time being advised by his own friends to try and super- 
sede Washington, using the popularity of his victory to progress 
his object, and he now meets General Schuyler's daughter, 
Elizabeth, (whom he later marries) for the first time, October. 

News is received in Albany of the burning by the British of the old 
original stone Manor House of the Livingston family at Cler- 
mont, because they had been strong advocates of American 
liberty. Chancellor Robert R. Livingston being one of five to 
draft the Declaration of Independence, October. 

General Gates is made president of the Board of War and Ordnance, 
" a position," says the Century Encyclopedia of Names, " which 
he used to further an intrigue with the clique known as the 
' Conway Cabal,' consisting of Thomas Conway and others, to 
supplant Washington in the chief command of the army." 

November. 

Gen. Philip Schuyler seeks exoneration or condemnation at tlie 
hands of the Congress respecting his career at the head of the 
Army of the North, particularly in regard to his conduct of 
the Ticonderoga campaign, and his request reads : " When a 
man of sentiment labouring under odious and injurious suspi- 
cions has in prospect a period which promises to afford him re- 
lief and restore quiet to his mind, it is natural that he should 
anxiously wish for its arrival. The conviction of a good and a 
clear conscience leaves not a doubt in my mind that the result 
of the inquiry into my conduct will have that effect and restore 
me to the full confidence of such of my honest countrymen as 
have been led away by popular clamor, and that I shall stand 
confessed the sincere and affectionate friend of my country. 
Congress will therefore pardon me if I am importunate on this 
subject. 1 have suffered so much in public life that it cannot 
create surprise if I anxiously wish to retire and pay that atten- 
tion to my private affairs, which the losses I have sustained by 
the enemy and the derangement occasioned by devoting all my 
time to the duties of my office have occasioned, and yet the im- 
propriety of resigning them before the inquiry has taken place 
or the committee reported my innocence, is too striking to need 
dwelling on." December. 





MADAM RIEDESEL. 



GENERAL BURGOYNE. 





MRS. PHILIP SCHUYLER. 



LADY HARRIET ACKLAND. 



SCHUYLER MANSION GUESTS. 

General Burgo3'ne, Madam Riedesel, Lady Harriet Ackland, and many others 
of prominence in the British commander's party, while on their way to the seaboard 
were entertained by Mrs. Philip Schuyler in their Mansion at head of Schuyler St., 
Oct. i8, 1777. 



No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 34 1 



1778. 



1778. 

The Legislature convenes at Poughkeepsie and completes organiza- 
tion of the State government, January. 

Legislature passes an act to allow the citizens to reorganize the 
municipal government, it having lost its power of its perpetuity 
by the institution of the Committee of Safety, Protection and 
Correspondence, entitled " An Act to remove doubts concerning 
the corporation of the city of Albany "' Feb. 17. 

A^olckert Petrus Douw, a former Mayor, represents the Congress 
at the Council held at Jamestown to secure co-operation of the 
Six Nations, or at least neutrality, March. 

The Americans, realizing that the British must be prevented from, 
coming up the Hudson or they will be able to carry all before 
them, Albany, the Mohawk Valley and the entire route to Mon- 
treal, fortify West Point and make that the line of demarcation 
that must not be passed. The river being confined by the 
rocky Constitution Island to a width of only 1,400 feet, it 
had been decided to throw a mammoth iron chain from shore 
to shore. It was made at Peter Townsend's Sterling Iron 
Works in Orange county and weighed 70,000 lbs. On this day 
the work (occupying two weeks) of placing it in position com- 
menced, April 16. 

John Barclay, having a commission under the great seal of the 
state of New York, appointing him Mayor, clerk of the market 
and coroner of the city, is sworn, taking the oath of office as 
prescribed by the Charter, April 17. 

Charter election. Common Council : John Price, John Roorbach, I. 
Jacob Lansing, Jun., Abraham Cuyler, II. John AI. Beeckman, 
Harmanus Wendell, III. This board elected at close of war 
with Gt. Britain (to serve until regular fall election). Election, 

April 17. 
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No. 27. 

3nltn Harrlag. 



April 17. 1778 — April 8, 1779. 



No. 27. 
JOHN BARCLAY. 

Date of office: April 17, 1778-April 8, 1779. 

Appointed by: Governor George Clinton. 

Place of birth: St. Peter's Rectory. 

Parents: Rev. Thomas (B.) and Anne Dorothea Drauyer. 

Education: Common school. 

Married fa: Margaret Ten Eyck. 

Date: September 8, 1771. 

Children: None. 

Religion: Episcopalian. 

Date of death: 1779. 

Remarks: First Mayor appointed under State authority. First 
President City and County Committee of Correspondence 
and Safety, 1774-79. Zealous, patriotic, exercised good judg- 
ment. 



No. 27. JOHN BARCLAY. 345 



1778. 



(Continued from No. 26.) 
1778. 



John Barclay sworn as the Mayor of xA-lbany, to succeed Abraham 
CorneHs Cuyler, having been commissioned by Gov. George 
Chnton, April 17. 

Newspapers of the day bristling with advertisements of slaves for 

sale, 
■Common Council establishes by ordinance the selling-price at which 
city taverns, inns, ordinaries and ale-houses may sell, designat- 
ing : " Good West India Rum, genuine French brandy, Hol- 
land Geneva, Lisbon, Sherry. Port, red and white Mountain 
French Claret common sort, French white Wine, Spanish red 
Wine, Rhenish, at 10 shillings per quart, and one shilling and 
four pence per gill, * * * Strong Beer and Cyder brewed or 
made in this state, one shilling per quart." The same ordinance 
also established other rates for the taverns (as hotels were 
then called ) , such as price for a breakfast, 2 shillings ; dinner, 
3 shillings and six pence ; for stabling horse one night. 2 shil- 
lings ; for rooming man or woman one night. \ shilling. 

April 25. 

The work of stretching the mammoth iron chain, that had been 
made at the Sterling Iron Works of Peter Townsend (of 
Albany) in Orange county, across the Hudson River, from 
West Point to Constitution Island, completed to-day. Placing 
it from shore to shore, buoyed by huge logs, had commenced 
on April i6th. The river is confined here to a width of 1.400 
feet, and to allow for sagging the chain was made 1,700 feet 
long. Each link, of 2i/< inch iron bars, was 30 J/2 inches long 
with 26 inches hole, and the whole weighing 70,000 lbs., or 35 
tons. The idea was to keep the British fleet from proceeding 
up the Hudson to Albany. April 30. 

In a private letter to Colonel V^arick, Gen. Philip Schuyler says : " 1 
thank you for your favor by Mr. Fonda & for the intelligence 
you have given me — I had a hint some time ago, that Gates 
would take command in the highlands as soon as all was pre- 
pared ; he has the luck of reaping harvests sown by others." 

Saratoga, May 3. 

Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, being informed by letter from General 
Stark that the troops at Albany are ordered to Fishkill, the 
Common Council meets and frames a letter to General Stark 
stating that through the number of its men already away on 



34^.) JOHN BARCLAY. No. 2/. 



1778. 



duty it wonkl not be safe to leave the city protected by only 
150 militia, particularly as there were more than loo prisoners 
to watch, 10 of them condemned to death, and a second letter is 
prepared to send to General Gates, telling him that there are so 
many men left behind from General Burgoyne's vanquished 
army, deserters with no means of support, that robberies of fre- 
quency demand the maintenance of at least the regular body, 
not to speak of the necessity of having the men prepare their 
crops lest the inhabitants of the city be without food, — " If the 
British prisoners could be moved to another place it would 
break up the connection which is now apprehended is kept up 
between them, the Tories and Negroes." May 20. 

f'hilip Livingston, Signer of Declaration as Member of Congress 
from New York, and the father of Patroon Stephen Van Rens- 
selaer's wife, Catherine, ( b. at N. W. corner State and Pearl 
streets), dies at York, Pa., June 12. 

George Clinton presides at the convention being held at Pough- 
keepsie for deliberating on the federal constitution, which he 
tloes not think safeguards the sovereignty of each state, 

June 17. 

Common Council's request to allow the local militia to remain in the 
city is not granted, and the troops are sent to Fishkill, June. 

Chancellor Robert R. Livingston's widowed mother rebuilds the 
Manor House at Clermont that had been burned by the British 
in October i///, making use of the same stone walls, July. 

Inhabitants of Albany discouraged by the news that a large part, 
possibly 2,000 men, of the Continental army is to be quartered 
here for the winter, realizing that the men of the city and 
county having been in the armies had had no chance to work 
for their families or operate their farms, the Common Council 
writes to Gov. George Clinton : " From this state of Facts we 
beg leave to inform your Excellency that however willing we 
have always been and still are to risk our all in supporting the 
Freedom and Independence of our Blessed Country, yet it is 
our earnest request (and we deem it no more than reasonable) 
that in the distribution of the Troops for Winter Quarters, due 
respect may be had to the former distresses and present suffer- 
ings of the Inhabitants of Albany." September. 

Charter election, Common Council : John Price. John Roorbach, I. 
John Ja. Beeckman, John N. Bleecker, II. John M. Beeckman, 
Samuel Stringer, III. Flection, Sept. 29; sworn in. Oct. 14. 

The Colonial Congress acquits General Schuyler of any bad judg- 
ment in his conduct of the campaign against Burgoyne in 




CHAIN ACROSS HUDSON. 
Three of the huge iron links of the chain made at SterHng Iron Works 
of Peter Townsend, gt.-grandfather of Mayor Franklin Townsend, each 2M 
inches th.ck, 30 inches Jong; length 1,703 ft. Stretched shore to shore on April 



No. 27. JOHN BARCLAY. 347 

1778-1779. 

northern New York, acknowledges that he had exhibited no 
lack of energy and had shown but sagacity and valor in all he 
had done, the court-martial that he had requested, acquitting 
him on every count, and Congress approving the verdict " with 
the highest honor." December. 



1779. 



Stage line to New York city charging ten dollars each person. 

Rensselaerswyck subdivided into east and west districts, March 5. 

Cen. Philip Schuyler having sent in his resignation after the fullest 
manner of exoneration by the Congress, John Jay writes to 
him : " Congress has refused to accept your resignation. 
Twelve states were represented. New England and Pennsyl- 
vania against you. The delegates of the latter are new men 
and not free from the influence of the former. From New 
York south you have fast friends. * " * Were I in your 
situation I should not hesitate a moment to continue in the 
service. I have the best authority to assure you that the Com- 
mander-in-chief wishes you to retain your comimssion. The 
propriety of your resignation is now out of the question. Those 
laws of honor which might have required it are satisfied. Are 
you certain they do not demand a contrary conduct? You have 
talents to render you conspicuous in the field ; and address to 
conciliate the affections of those who may wish you ill. Both 
these circumstances are of worth to your family, and, inde- 
pendent of public considerations, argue forcibly for the army. 
Gather laurels for the sake of your country and your children. 
You can leave them also the reputation of being descended 
from an incontestably great man — a man who, uninfluenced 
by the ingratitude of his country, was unremitted in his ex- 
ertions to promote her happiness. You have hitherto been no 
stranger to these sentiments, and therefore I forbear to en- 
large." March. 

Captain Machin engaged in taking a water level between Albany 
and Schenectady, with the idea of supplying this city by means 
of an aqueduct, which design he submits to the Common 
Council, 

Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck is appointed the Mayor of Albany by 
Governor George Clinton of the State of New York. 

• • • 

(See No. 28.) 



No. 28. 



Abraliam SatSrnKL 



April 9, 1779— Jvine 26, 1783. 
Oct, 15. 1796 - Dec. 31, 1798. 



No. 28. 
ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. 

Date of office: (a) April 9, I77y-June 26, 1783. 

(b) October 15, 1796-Deceniber 31, 1798. 

Date of appoiiitment: (a) 

(b) September 29, 1796. 

Appointed by: (a) Governor George Clinton, 
(b) Governor John Jay. 

Date of birth: May 13, 1734. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Dirck (T. B. — 21st Mayor) and Margarita Cuyler. 

Education: Good schooling in New York city. 

Married to: Elizabeth Van Rensselaer. 

Date: November i, 1763. 

Children: (5-1 s. 4 d.) Dirck (b. 1765, m. Cornelia Stuyvesant), 
Elizabeth (1765-7), Elizabeth (b. 1772, m. Rensselaer Schuy- 
ler), Margarita (1776), Maria Van Rensselaer (1779). 

Residence: (a) Northwest corner Columbia street and Broadway. 
(b) West side Ten Broeck street, north of Third street. 

Occupation: Lawyer. Banker. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: January 19, 1810. 

Place of death: No. 9 Ten Broeck place. 

Place of burial: \'ault in rear; later Rural Cemetery. 

Title: General. 

Remarks: Member of Colonial Assembly, 1760-65. Member of 
Provincial Congress, April 20, 1775. Delegate to Continen- 
tal Congress at Philadelphia, May, 1775. Colonel of militia. 
October 20, 1775. General, January, 1776. Brigadier- 
General, 1776-March 26, 1 78 1. President State Convention, 
1776. President of Committee of Safety, December. 1776. 
State Senator, 1780-83. Justice Court of Common Pleas, 
1781-94. President Bank of Albany, 1792-98. Member 
Committee of Safety. Zealous, able, courageous, patriotic. 
Trustee for Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer 16 years. 




28. ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. 
1779-83; 1796-98. 
From the oil painting presented to the city of Albany by Mr. Frederic P. 
Olcott of New York city. 



No. 28. ABRAHAM TEN BROKCK. 351 

1779-1780. 



(Continued from No. 2'/'). 
1779. 



Gen. Abraham Ten liroeck is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc- 
ceeding John Barclay, having been appointed by Gov. George 
Clinton, April 9. 

Gen. Philip Schuyler having pressed his resignation from military 
life, it is accepted and he takes his seat as a delegate to the 
Continental Congress, April. 

Legislature holds an important session at Kingston, August. 

Charter election. Common Council : John Price, John Roorbach, 1. 
John Ja. Beeckman, John N. Bleecker, II. Samuel Stringer, 
John M. Beeckman, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Senate and Assembly, in session at Kingston, pass a resolution that 
the Legislature when it next convenes assemble at Albany, 

Oct. 25. 

Gov. George Clinton proclaims a meeting of the Legislature to be 
held on Jan. 4th at Albany, Dec. i. 



1780. 



First meeting of the State Legislature to be held at Albany, which 
had been set for January 4th by Governor Clinton, but post- 
poned by heavy snows, convenes at the City Hall and Court 
House at the northeast corner of So. Alarket street (Broadway) 
and Hudson (avenue) street, Jan. 27. 

Mohawk valley devastated b}^ the Six Nations under Brant. 

Shakers located at Niskayuna, west of the city a few miles, now 
agree to give testimony in public when called upon to do so. 

The first Legislative session held in Albany decides on its first ad- 
journment. March 14. 

Schuyler Alansion in the south part of the city, brilliantly illumi- 
nated in the evening on announcement that New York State 
had ratified at Poughkeepsie the American Constitution, which 
m parts had been drafted in one of the rooms of this house 
by Alexander Hamilton, July 29. 

General Gates totally defeated by Lord Cornwallis at Camden, S. C, 
(soon to be superseded by General Greene), Aug. 16. 



352 ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. No. 28. 

1780-1781. 

Major John Andre ( b. London, 1751) is rowed to the shore from 
Liie Vulture and makes arrangements near Stony Point on the 
Hudson, as representativ^e of Sir Henry Clinton, with Gen. 
Benedict Arnold of the .American army, for the surrender of 
West Point, and talking till midnight they repair to the house 
of Joshua Hett Smith for further consultation, Sept. 21. 

Major Andre arrested as a spy by John Paulding", David Williams 
and Isaac Van Wart, on his returning", when half a mile north 
of Tarrytown, ami in his boots are found papers that reveal the 
defence of West Point and positions to be occupied in case of 
attack. P'ruitlessly he offers much money to be liberated, 

Sept. 23. 

Benedict Arnold learns of the discovery of his plans to have the 
British capture West Point and General Washington and hur- 
liedly bidding adieu to his fainting" wife, hastens to the A^ilture 
and sails oiT down the Hudson, Sept. 24. 

Major Andre, having been tried and appeals made to spare him, i^ 
executed as a British spy, at Tappan, N. Y., Oct. 1. 

Charter election, Common Council : John Roorbach, Peter W 
Yates, I. John Ja. Beeckman, John N. Bleecker, H. Samuel 
Stringer, John Ten Broeck, HI. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 

Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth, daughter of Gen. Philip Schu}'- 
ler, married at the Schuyler Mansion in southern part if the 
citv, Dec. [4. 



1781. 



Legislative session held a second time in this city, convening in the 
City Hall on So. Market street (Broadway), Jan. 17. 

George W^ashington acts as godfather (so it is narrated) of Cathe- 
rine Van Rensselaer Schuyler, daughter of Gen. Philip Schuyler 
and Catherine Van Rensselaer; godmother, Mrs. Washington, 
the baptism performed by Dominie Eilardus Westerlo, recorded 
as performed in the register of the Reformed Dutch Church 
standing" in the centre of Yonkers (State) street a little west 
of its intersection with Market (Broadway) street, March 4. 

Gen. Philip Schuyler appointed State surveyor-general, ^larch 30. 

The second Legislative session ever held in this city adjourns, 

March 31. 




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ANDRfi PASS AND PORTRAIT. 

Gen. Benedict Arnold issued a pass to Maj. John Andre of the British Army in 
name of "John Anderson," on Sept. 22, 1780, in order to protect his return, after 
his purchase of plans of West Point's defences. Andre was halted by Paulding, 
Williams and Van Wart, north of Tarrytown, Sept. 23rd ; papers discovered in stock- 
ings ; tried, and executed as a spy at Tappan, Oct. 2nd. Pen sketch made of himself 
night before death. 




HAMILTON'S MARRIAGE IN SCHUYLER MANSION. 

Alexander Hamilton married Gen. Philip Schuyler's daughter, Elizabeth, in the 
drawing-room of her father's mansion on Dec. 14, 1780. They met here when Hamilton 
was consulting with Schuyler and it was while his guest that he framed parts of the 
Constitution. 



No. 28. ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. 353 

1781-1782. 



Mother Ann Lee. head of the Shaker settlement at Niskayuna, to 
the west of Alhany a few miles, sets out w'ith her followers for 
Harvard on a missionary tour. 

Rumor circulated for some weeks that the British intended to burn 
Albany and carry off Gen. Philip Schuyler, Col. Philip Van 
Rensselaer and Col. Peter Gansevoort, as prisoners. A band 
of Tories, Canadians and Indians break into the Schuyler Man- 
sion. General Schuyler, with family, seated in the evening ir 
the front hall with doors open on account of the extreme heat, is 
apprised of a person to see him at the back gate. The doors 
and windows are immediately barred ; but are broken in, and 
the family rush upstairs. Discovering that the infant, Catherine 
Van R. Schuyler, the godchild of Washington, had been for- 
gotten, asleep on the main floor, Mrs. Schuyler would rush back 
to save it, but the General intercepts, and the child's sister, 
Alargaret (who later marries Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer) 
rushes wdth the sleeping babe only in time to escape up the 
stairs, while the Indian tomahawk misses its human mark and 
buries its blade in the balustrade. General Schuyler suddenly 
opens a door and trying a subterfuge, shouts : " Come on, my 
brave fellows ! Surround the damn'd rascals," whereupon 
Walter Meyer collects his men and they beat a precipitate re- 
treat, Aug, 7. 

Charter election. Common Council : Peter W. Yates, John Price, I. 
John Ja. Beeckman, John Hansen, II. Thomas Hun, Abraham 
Schuyler, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1782. 

Church services held in Dutch language only until this year. 

Aaron Burr (b. Newark, Feb. 6, 1756, and who mortally wounded 
Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken, N. J., on July 11, 
1804) opens a law office on the north side of Norton street, the 
second door east of So. Pearl street. 

Creditors of the United States hold a session here. 

Stephen A^an Rensselaer (third of that name) having left Princeton 
because the British interrupted the continuation of the college 
course, at the age of 18 graduates at Harvard. 

Bank of Albany, the first organized in the city, with a capital of 
$75,000, opened, July lb. 

First issue of " The New York Gazetteer, or Northern Intelli- 
gencer," by Solomon Southwick and Charles R. Webster. 



354 ABRAHAM TEN BROECK, No. 2S. 

1782-1783, 1796. 

Charter election, Common Council : Cornells Cuyler, Peter W. 
Yates, J. John Ja. Beeckman, Philip van Rensselaer, II. 
Thomas Hun, Abraham Schuyler, III Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1783. 



Lord Stirling-, prominent figure in the American Revolution, (known 
commonly as \\'illiam Alexander) dies in this city, aged 57, 
having been born in New York city and considered the rightful 
heir to title and estates of an earldom in Scotland; major- 
general in the L^nited States service, Jan. 15. 

Andrew Elliott of Albany made lieutenant-governor, April 17. 

Johannes Jacobse Beeckman appointed ]Mayor of Albany by Gov. 
George Clinton. 

-tr -k -k 

( See No. 29.) 



Continued from No. 31.) 
1796. 



Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeed- 
ing Abraham Yates, Jun.. having been appointed by Gov. John 
Jay, Sept. 29. 

Whipping-posts abolished in the city. 

Newspapers comment m~ion the alacrity witli which cnmnnmication 
is had. only 3 days to Philadelphia, but four days for a letter to 
reach Boston, and to the uttermost point of the Union about 12 
days. 

Charter election. Common Council : Arie Eagrange, Philip S. van 
Rensselaer. I. \'olckert Douw, Peter E. Elmendorf, II. Jere- 
miah Eansingh, Peter \\'. Douw, III. Election, Sept. 27; sworn 
in, Oct. II. 

A balloon. 54 feet in circumference, with small car. being made, in 
this city. Oct. 2y. 

Arch Street Brewery (later the All)any Prewing Co., existing in 
1906) is established by James Boyd, on Arch street. 




SCHUYLER MANSION ATTACKED. 
On the night of Aug. 7, 1781, a band of Tories and Indians broke 



into Gen. Schuyler's Mansion intending to kidnap him. 
.a tomahawk at his daughter and it cut the balustrade. 



They hurled 




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No. 28. ARRATIA^r TEN RROECK. 355. 

1796-1797. 

Volney, celebrated traveler and philosopher, on his way from the 

West to the Southern states, visits Albany, Nov. 2. 

First camel ever brought to this city, exhibited by Messrs. Hewitt & 

Muller, November. 

John Jacob Beeckman advertises for proposals to build a new Dutch- 

church building on west side of No. Pearl street, November. 
River closed to navigation, official record, Nov. 26. 

L^nited States stores, ammimition and camion shipjjerl to West 

Point from the public stores on Court street, Nov. 27. 

Buildings at this time in the city number 1,093, Dec. i. 

Thermometer 20 degrees below zero, Dec. 24. 

Lighting the city during previous year required 344 gallons of oil, 

Dec. 31. 



1797. 



Legislature convenes at the City Hall, Jan. 3. 

Ten Broeck Mansion, to the west of Ten Broeck street, erected for 
Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, the Mayor, by his ward. Stephen 
Van Rensselaer, the work thereon being commenced. 

Temple Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar, instituted. 

Union College founded principally by a number of Albanians, 

Feb. 25. 

Stage line to New York reduces charges to $8. 

Temple Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., instituted. 

Common Council bestows reward of $2.50 upon Barent De Rider 
for being the first at a fire on previous night with a hogshead 
of water, Jan. lo.. 

Albany made the permanent seat of state government as the capital, 

March 10. 

The Mayor lays the corner-stone of a building being erected for 
state offices at the southwest corner of State and Lodge streets, 

May 30. 

Benjamin Prescott endeavors to supply water from Maezlandt kill, 
in logs bored, and is given a grant by Stephen Van Rensselaer. 

Robert R. Livingston's small boat goes up the river under head of 
steam at the rate of three miles an hour. 

Fire destroys fifty houses on Montgomery, Dock, Steuben, North- 
Market (Broadway), Columbia and Middle Lane (James 
street), Aug. 4.- 



356 AliRAHAM TEN BROECK. No. 28. 

1797-1798. 



Corner-stone of St. J\Iar3^'s Church on Barrack (Chapel) street at 
the n. w. corner of Pine street, laid by Thomas Barry, a promi- 
nent merchant, Sept. 13. 

Subscription books of the turnpike road between Albany and Sche- 
nectady opened, Sept. 23. 

Isaac Robbins is imprisoned for life for passing a false receipt for 
money, September. 

Charter election. Common Council : Philip S. van Rensselaer, Henry 
J. Bogart, I. Peter E. Elmendorf, John N. Bleecker, II. San- 
ders Lansingh, Peter Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 26; 
sworn in, Oct. 10. 

Temple Lodge, No. 53 (later No. 14) of Masons, organized, 

Nov. II. 

River closed to navigation, official record, Nov. 23. 

Albany Museum established at the corner of Green and Beaver 
streets, opp. Denniston's Tavern that is on the n. w. corner, 

Dec. II. 

Lighting the city during year required 698 gallons of oil. 



1798. 



Legislature convenes, Jan. 2. 

Schenectady incorporated. 

Han Joost, an Oneida warrior who was a distinguished volunteer 
under General Gansevoort at siege of Fort Stanwix, dies sud- 
denly, Jan. 14 

Warrantee deeds granted on slaves in Albany. 

IMethodists make this city a station. 

North Dutch Reformed Church being built. 

Lebanon & Albany Turnpike company chartered. 

i^hilip VsLu Rensselaer, of Cherry Hill, south of city bounds, dies, 

March 12. 

Robert McClannan of this city appointed state treasurer, March 15. 

Ten Broeck Mansion completed, westward of Ten Broeck street, by 
Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, the Mayor. 

Bank of Albany elects Jeremiah Van Rensselaer its (2nd) president, 
to succeed (jen. Abraham Ten Broeck. 

St. Mary's church completed to permit roofing it, Sept. 10. 

iLliphalet Nott ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church (First) at n. e. corner of So. Pearl an<I Beaver streets, 

Oct. 3. 




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No. 28. ABRAHAM TEN UROECK. 



357 



1798. 



Charter election. Common Council : Philip S. van Rensselaer, Henry 
J. Bog-art, I. Barent G. Staats, Jeremiah Lansingh, II. San- 
ders Lansingh, Enoch Leonard, III. Election, Sept. 25 ; sworn 
i"- Oct. q. 

New North Dutch Church on west side o£ No. Pearl street, Putnam 
& Hooker the architects, completed, November. 

Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer appointed the Mayor of Albany by 
Governor DeWitt Clinton, Dec. 2". 



( See No. 32. 



No. 29. 



Jnliauu^s SarnliB^ Iri^rkman. 



June 27, 1783 Oct, 8, 1786. 



No. 29. 

JOIIANNI'.S jACOHSK HEECKMAN. 

Date of oOiiw June 27. 1783-October 8. 1786. 

Appointed hy: (.lovernor (leorge Clinton. 

Date of birth: August 8. 1733. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Jacob (H.) ami IX-bora TTanson. 

Iiiiitcatio>t: Cltx^cl scluH>lins;". 

Married /(>; Marii' SaniK'rs ( j^d. ilaii. oi ji,d Maxdi). d. Now J, 

I7»)4- 
Date: November 22, 1759. 

ihildreu: ( 7-- 3 s, .| d. ) Jacoh ( b. Aui^". 7. \yi^\ ; ni. Ann MoKin- 
noy, Sept. 30. 17S4: il. 1S17), Dobora ( b. X'ov. -M>, 17('3; ni. 
Johannes IVreyster, Hee. 22, 1787: d. July 23. 1701). r>ar- 
ent Saiulers (b. May 2, i7('7; d. l^ee. 2, 17()7). iMaebtel (or 
Matilda, b. Nov. 21, I7()S; ni. l>ou\v l"\Mida, Nov. 23, 1794; 
d.Oel. 3. 1837). .Sarah ( h. 1 \-e. o, 1771 ; d. March 15, 1702), 
!'"\')e (or b'tlic, h. |uly 2.[, 1774; d. IX'c (>. 1702), John San- 
ders ( b. Aul;. 23. 17S1 : d. Aui;. 13. 1701?). 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: December 17. 1802. 

Title: lUnu>rable. 



"No. 29 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. 361 

1783-1784. 

(Continued from No. 28.) 
1783. 



Johannes Jacobse Beeckman sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc- 
ceeding Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, having been appointed by 
Gov. George CHnton, June 27. 

" The Gazette," first newspaper pubHshed at Albany, enlarged, and 
Mr. Webster withdraws to go to New York, Mr. Ballantine 
continuing it. 

Mr. Ballantine prints the first copy of the " Pocket Almanac," for 
the year 1784, the first of its kind in the city, a copy of which 
is preserved in the State Library. 

George Washington a visitor, presented with freedom of the city at 
Hugh Denniston's tavern (first stone house in Albany — n. w. 
cor. Green and Beaver sts.), Aug. 4. 

Charter election, Common Council : Peter W. Yates, Cornelis Cuy- 
ler, I. Peter W. Douw, Philip van Rensselaer, II. Thomas 
Hun, John Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 



1784. 



Displaying the strongest affection and confidence towards Gen. 
Philip Schuyler, General Washington, Commander-in-Chief, 
writes to him from Mount Vernon, as follows : '* Dear Sir — 
Your favor of the 20th of Dec. found me as you conjectured, 
by that fireside from which I have been too long absent for my 
own convenience ; to which I return with the greatest avidity, 
the moment my public avocations would permit ; and from 
which I hope never again to be withdrawn. While I am here 
solacing myself in my retreat from the busy scenes of life, I 
am not only made extremely happy by the gratitude of my 
countrymen in general but particularly so by the repeated 
proofs of the kindness of those who have been intimately con- 
versant with my public transactions, and I need scarcely add 
that the favorable opinion of no one is more acceptable than 
that of yourself. In recollecting the vicissitudes of fortune we 
have experienced, and the difficulties we have surmounted, I 
shall always call to mind the great assistance I have frequently 
received from you, both in your public and private character. 
May the blessings of peace amply reward your exertions ; may 



'^^^2 JUIIANNICS JACOliSIi: BEKCKMAN. No. 29. 



1784. 



you and your faiuil)' ( lo wliniu ihr (•diupliuicMils of Mrs. Wash- 
iui^lou aud ui\si.'ll' air a 11 i.Hiiiiualrl\ prosi'ukMl) Ioul;' couliuue 
to i'uj(i\' (.'wry specie's ol" Iiappiurss tlic world cau alVord. With 
sciUiuiruls o! siuixTo csUh'ui, allac-huu'ut aud aUrcliou, I aui, 
\\'A\- Sir, \(>ur most ol)i'diciU \iT\- liuuihlr siTX'aul. (1. Wasll- 
in,^l"ii." Jau. 21. 

Tlu' posilioii lu'ld Iiy ( inu'ral .Sclunlcr iu llir public uiiud at this 
liiur luay W siiowii iu uo rlcarcr uu'lliod thau hy excerpts from 
the writiuys of a lew of this couutr\'s luost highly respected 
uieu, cliaracters who had uo idtiuior uiolixe for utteriui^' what 
sounds the keynote ol" ])raise iu the \ery siuceril\' aud I'orceful- 
ness of statement. Iu W'ashiu^tou lr\iu<;'s " Life of Washiui;- 
ton " appears tlie follow iuj; : " Wlu'u the tidings reached 
General \Vashiuj;tou of tlu' aetiou of the Congress in sui)erse(l- 
iui^' Schuyler (by dates) he wrote hiui immediately 'that he 
looked upon the whole scheme as diaholical,' that he re- 
i^arded it ' with sentiments of ahhorrence, havins:;" the utmost 
confidence in your integrity aud the most iucontestible proofs of 
your great attachment to your country.' Schuyler asked for a 
court-martial to sit on the case aud was full\- ac(|uilted, the in- 
formation being forwarded to General Washington by the court 
with an expression of hoi)e that ' Schuyler's name might be 
handed down to posterity as one of the pillars (d" the American 
cause.' " On finishing liis " Life of Washiuglt)U," Washington 
Irving regretted that he w\as " too old " to inulertake that of 
Schuyler. I^aniel \\'ebsler also expressed a desire to add at 
least "a chapter on General Schuyler to the History of the 
Revolution." lie writes as follows: " I was brought up with 
the New L^ngiand prejudices against him ; but I consider him 
as second only to Washington in the ser\ices he rendered to 
the country in the War of the Revohitiou. liis /eal and devo- 
tion to the cause under difliculties that would have paralysed 
most men. and his fortitude ami corn-age when assailed by mali- 
cious attacks upon his public ami pri\ate character, every one 
of which was proved to be false, have iuiiv.-cssed me with a 
strong desire lo express ]niblicly my sense of his great quali- 
ties." Horatio Sevuiour, once the Governor of New York, in 
his address delivere^l on the occasion of the Centennial celebra- 
tion of Burgoyne's surrender, held at Schnylerville in 1877, on 
the very sjiot where Schuyler's house and property had been 
destroyed by the Briti.sh, gave testimony again to (.General 
Schuyler's patriotism and unselfishness — "as the one figure 
which rises above all others, up«in whose conduct and bearing 
Ave love to dwell. There was one who won a triumph there 




GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER. 

No writer of American history and the Revolution omits the 
name of this famed Albanian. He was born at s. e. cor. State and 
Pearl sts. , Nov. ii, 1733, son of Mayor Johannes Schuyler, Jun. He 
built his fine mansion at head of Schuyler st. in 1761, and defended 
Albany against Burgoyne in 1777. He died Nov. 18, 1804. 



No. 29 JOHANNES JACOP.se BEECKMAN. 36; 



1784. 



which never grows dim, one who gave an example of patience 
and patriotism unsurpassed on the pages of history, one who did 
not, under cutting wrongs and cruel suspicions, wear an air of 
martyrdom ; but with cheerful alacrity served when he should 
have commanded." Mrs. Lamb, in her History of New York, 
writes : " In this connection the figure of Philip Schuyler rises 
grandly above all others — he uttered no complaint at seeing 
his laurels won by another ! He even congratulated Gates who 
had displayed no professional skill whatever." 

" Webster's Calendar " or the " Albany Almanac " first published. 

Agricultural Society formed. 

Regents of the University of the State of New York created by Act 
of Legislature, May i. 

Post-Office first established on the east side of North Market street 
(Broadway), north of Maiden Lane, May. 

Simeon DeWitt appointed State surveyor-general, May 13. 

Henry, McClallen & Henry, next door north of City Hall (northeast 
corner of Broadway and Hudson street) advertise that for pay- 
ment of the formidable array of goods named they will accept 
wheat, corn, pease, flax, seeds, board, planks and any sort of 
furs. 

"The Albany Gazette" of 1771, that was discontinued about 1776, 
started again by Charles R. Webster, as a weekly. May 28. 

Dr. Samuel Stringer advertises that he has received an importation 
from Europe of an assortment of medicines at his medicinal 
store, west side of Broadway above Maiden Lane. 

John McClintock advertises that in June he will open a school at 
the southwest corner of Maiden Lane and James street. 

Luther Society incorporated, using edifice of 1668 on the west side 
of So. Pearl street, between Howard and Beaver streets. 

Elder William Lee, of the Niskayuna Shakers, dies, June. 

In celebration of independence a salute of thirteen guns was fired 
from Fort Orange at sunrise, and there were illuminations at 
night, July 4. 

Mons. Duonpres opens a school for dancing " on the most modern 
terms of one guinea entrance, and one guinea a quarter." 

July 14. 

The Dutch Ambassador, Haere P. J. Van Berckel, accompanied by 
the governor, arrives and is received at the City Hall amid a 
discharge of cannon (to be given a banquet the next day at 
Lewis tavern) and numerous citizens call, July 22. 

Governor Clinton leaves Albany to attend the Indian treaty to be 
held at Fort Schuyler, where the chiefs were assembling, 

August. 



364 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. No. 29. 



1784-1785. 



School opened by Nicholas Barrington and announces " money being 
very scarce, at the low prices of lo, 12 and 14s. per quarter, for 
spellers, writers and scypherers, and three pounds for bookkeep- 
ing and navigation." Sept. 8. 

Funeral of Mother Ann Lee, (Mrs. Lee), known as the Elect Lady, 
or Mother of Zion, head of the Shakers, who died on Sept. 8th 
at Nisqueunda, (Niskayuna), Sept. 9. 

Elder James Whittaker succeeds Mother Ann Lee at the Shaker 
settlement of Niskayuna, a few miles west of the city, 

September. 

The Governor and Indian commissioners return from Fort Schuyler, 
having concluded a treaty with the Six Nations, Sept. 13. 

Marquis of Lafayette returns from Fort Stanwix, to depart next day 
for Boston, whence he is to sail for France, Oct. 7. 

Charter election, Common Council : Peter W. Yates, Robert 
McClallen, L Philip van Rensselaer, Peter W. Douw, IL 
Thomas Hun, John Ten Broeck, IIL Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Isaac Arnold and James Stewart return from a trading expedition 
to Detroit, having lost three companions, Jacobus Teller, Daniel 
Barclay, Isaac Van Alstyne, who were murdered on Lake Erie 
by DelaAvare Indians, Oct. 18. 

" A likely negro wench '' offered for sale at auction by the execu- 
tors of Mrs. Margaret Schuyler, held at Lewis' Tavern, 

Oct. 21. 

City authorities propose the demolition of Fort Frederick, at head 
of Yonkers (State) street. 

First copy of " Webster's Calendar," or " The Albany Almanac," 
ready for sale, Nov. 8. 

Alexander Robertson, publisher of the first Albany newspaper, 
" The Gazette," dies at Port Roseway, Nova Scotia, Nov. 8. 

Annual fair for vending cattle inaugurated, Nov. 19. 

Wendell and Trotter engage in sale of drygoods at southeast corner 
of So. Market street (Broadway) and Division. 



1785. 



Shakers of Niskayuna build west of Albany the first edifice ever 
used by the society for worship. 

Health of the city so good that there was but one burial, and that 
a child accidentally run over by a sleigh, in the Dutch church- 
yard, from Dec. 9th to March 10. 




" MOTHER ANN'S " TOMB. ^ 

Mother Ann Lee was the founder of Shakers in America. She was born 
at Manchester, Eng., Feb. 29, 1736; illiterate; married a blacksmith 
named Standley, 1762. and began preaching ceHbacy ; estabHshed colony 
in Niskayuna woods, west of Albany, and died there Sept. 8, 1784. 



No. 29. JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. 365 

1785. 

Close of session of Supreme Court at which Christian Cooper and 
Petrus Cooper are sentenced to death on conviction of robbery. 

EHhu Goodrich and John Ely open a school in Michael HoUenbake's 
house, teaching- Greek and Latin for 40s a cjuarter; grammar, 
arithmethic and writing for 30s, and reading" for 20s. 

Isaac Van Wyck, Talmage Hall and John Kinney given exclusive 
right to drive stage on roads east of the Hudson. 

Common Council decides to abandon the names of streets that savor 
of the English rule and appoints a committee to consider new 
titles and a plan for numbering, March 19. 

Volckert Petrus Douw sent to the U. S. Senate, his appearance at 
the time being a man of 6 feet 2 inches, erect, handsome, clean- 
shaven, firm mouth, piercing eye, wearing a long-waisted coat 
with skirts to ankles, adorned with silver buckles made of Span- 
ish coins, buckles on shoes set with rhinestones, a cocked hat, 
silver-headed cane, hair in a queue and powdered. 

Isaac Van Wyck, Talmage Hall and John Kinney granted exclusive 
right to run a stage line between Albany and New York, for 10 
years, on agreeing to provide two stages properly covered, 
drawn, by four horses, and to charge not more than 4 pence per 
mile, allowance for 14 pounds of baggage free, April 4. 

Common Council hears report on new names for the streets, and a 
map is ordered made to show the titles as altered, April 9. 

City authorities authorize the demolition of Fort Frederick at the 
head of State street, and using of the stone for public improve- 
ments, and the clergy of various churches to be allowed material 
of the walls with which to build their churches. 

Sloop Experiment, Captain Stewart Dean, (after whom Dean street 
was to be named) sails on his memorable voyage to China. 

Common Council passes an ordinance for extermination of all dogs 
within two days, fixing a penalty of $40, July 12. 

Charter election. Common Council : Peter W. Yates, Robert 
McClallen, T. Philip van Rensselaer, Peter W. Douw, II. John 
Ten Broeck, Thomas Hun, HI. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, 

Oct. 14. 

Rev. John McDonald installed by the First Presbyterian Society, 

Nov. 8. 

Preparations for a theatrical performance begun, carpenters fitting 
up the old hospital as a theatre, a thing unknown at Albany, 
and the following appears in " The Gazette :" " By authority. 
On Friday Evening, the 9th of December, 1785, The Theatre 
in the City of x^lbany, will be opened with an Occasional Pro- 



366 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. No. 29. 

1785-1786. 

logue, by Air. Allen. After which will be presented, A Comedy 
in Two Acts call'd Cross Purposes. . . . After the comedy, 
An Eulogy on Free Alasonry, by Brother Moore. To be fol- 
lowed by a Dance called La Polonese, by Mr. Bellair. To con- 
clude with a Comedy of Three Acts written by Shakespeare, 
caird Catharine and Petruchio, or, The Taming of the Shrew. 
. . . Doors will be opened at Five o'Clock and the perform- 
ance to begin precisely at Six. Tickets (without which no 
person can be admitted) to be had at Mr. Lewis's Tavern — as 
no money will be received at the door. Box 8 s. Gallery 4 s. 
No person to be admitted behind the scenes. N. B. Stoves are 
to be provided for the boxes." Dec. 5. 

The Theatre not in readiness, and the religiously inclined inhabitants 
having written an acrid petition to the Mayor and Common 
Council demanding that the performance be not permitted, end- 
ing with the reason that it " will drain us of our money, if 
not instil into the minds of the imprudent, principles incompati- 
ble with that virtue which is the true basis of republican liberty 
and happiness," consequently the performance is postponed, 

Dec. 9. 
Common Council votes 9 to 4 to allow the comedians to act, resolv- 
ing : " That in the Opinion of this Board, they have not a 
Legal Right to prohibit the Company of Comedians in this 
City from exhibiting their Theatrical performances." Dec. 12. 
Those who opposed the performance aroused by the action of the 
Common Council write to The Gazette denouncing the giving 
of theatricals in Albany, saying the people were too poor after 
the war to go to them, and " when we find this darling vice 
encouraged in the first, and patronized in the second city of 
the state, and rearing its ensigns in each corner thereof, is it 
not high time for considerate inhabitants, to step forth and 
oppose the increasing evil with firmness and resolution, ere 
it be too late." December. 



1786. 



Houses in the city number 550, January. 

The first professional comedians play during December and Jan- 
uary, into February, two performances each week, The Gazette 



No. 20. JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. 367 

1786. 

saying- editorially : " In justice to the Company, we cannot 
omit mentioning', that their conduct has been such as to meet 
with the approbation of the city in general," and they leave for 
Montreal, Feb. 20. 

Common Council appealed to by Lutherans, who had been worship- 
ping with the Episcopalians, through Rev. Heinrich Moeller 
(receiving salary of $250 and firew^ood) for the right to solicit 
funds to erect a church, which is granted, March. 

River open to navigation, March 23. 

Columbia county formed by partition from Albany county, April I. 

Act passed by the Legislature erecting the southeast part of the 
County of Albany into a new county to be known as Columbia, 

April 4. 

Supreme Court sessions close, Caleb Gardner having been sentenced 
to hang for passing counterfeit Spanish dollars, Ji-ilv 5 

Sheriff advertises for some one to hang on Sept. 15th, the recently 
convicted Caleb Gardner, July 19. 

Albany celebrates the centennial anniversary of its chartering as 
a city. The Common Council on July 15th appointed the fol- 
lowing as a committee to formulate a program, Philip S. Van 
Rensselaer, Peter W. Yates, aldermen, and John W. Wendell, 
Richard Lush and Jellis Winne, assistant aldermen, who re- 
ported on the iStli and the following ceremony was carried 
out: Tlie Common Council convenes at 10 a. m., at the City 
Hall on So. Market street (Broadway) and Hudson avenue, and 
proceeds up Yonkers street (State) to the hill westward of the 
city, with all the bells ringing, in the order — ^ist, the High 
Sherifif; 2nd, the Under Sheriffs; 3rd, Constables with their 
Staffs; 4th, Mayor Johannes Jacobse Beeckman and Recorder 
Leonard Gansevoort ; 5th, Aldermen ; 6th. Common Council ; 
7th, Chamberlain and Clerks; 8th, Marshal; 9th, Corporations 
of the several churches ; loth, Judges of the several courts ; nth, 
justices of the peace; 12th, Legislative members; Attorneys at 
law; r3th. Militia officers; 14th, The Engine & Fire Company; 
15th, Citizens at Large. Arriving at the place designated the 
officials named drink thirteen toasts and one for the Charter, 
while is heard the discharge of thirteen cannon. At 6 p. m. the 
Board partakes of an elaborate banquet at Lewis' City Tavern, 
being supplied with " a Barrel of Good Spirits for the purpose," 
as voted by the Council on July i8th, so that, as The Gazette 



358 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. No. 29. 



1786. 



states, " The countenances of the inhabitants bespoke great sat- 
isfaction on the occasion." July 22. 

City employs workmen to remove the embankments of earth that 
had been cast up about Fort Frederick, that Yonkers (State) 
street might be widened now that the fort was gone, Sept. 15. 

Caleb Gardner hanged in the City Hall for passing counterfeit 
money, Sept. 15. 

John Lansing, Jun., commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gov. 
George Clinton, Sept. 29. 

• • • 



(See No. 30.) 



No. 30. 



3nlfn ICaustug, Sixxx, 



Oct. 9, 1766 — Oct. 18, 1790. 



No. 30. 
JOHN LANSING, JUN. 

Date of oHicc: October 9, 1786-October 18, 1790. 

Date of appointment: September 29, 1786. 

Appointed by: Governor George Clinton. 

Date of birth: (Bap.) February 3, 1754. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Gerrit J. (L.) and Jannetje Waters. 

Education: Good schooling. 

Married to: Cornelia Ray. 

Date: April 8, 1781. 

Children: (10-2 s. 8 d.) Robert (1783), Jane (1785), Sara (1787), 
Robert Ray (1788), Frances (1791), Elizabeth (1793), Sara 
and Cornelia (twins, 1795), Sara (1797), Mary (1800). 

Residence: North corner Broadway and Steuben street. 

Occupation: Lawyer. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: December 12, 1829. 

Place of death: New York, N. Y. 

Place of burial: Cnknown. Accidently drowned boarding boat to 
Albany, or waylaid. 

Title: Chancellor. 

Remarks: Delegate to convention framing Lmited States Constitu- 
tion, March 6, 1787. Member State Constitutional Conven- 
tion, 1788. 




» ^o. JOHN LANSING, Jun. 

17S6-1790. 
From the etching hy Alliert Rosenthal in 1888 made from the oil painting 
o.vned by Thomas Addis Emmet in 1885. 



No. 30. JOHN LANSING, JUN. 37I 



1786-1787. 



(Continued from No. 29.) 
1786. 



John Lansing', Jun., sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding 
Johannes Jacobse Beeckman, having been appointed by Gov. 
George CHnton, Oct. 9. 

Charter election, Common Council : Robert McClannen, John Price, 
I. Peter W. Douw, Henry Ten Eyck, II. Thomas Hun, Leon- 
ard Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Lutherans raising funds to build edifice on So. Pearl street. 

Ferry rights bring the city $650 for the year, December. 



1787. 



Population of the state 220,000 whites, 18,889 slaves and 12 Indians 
who paid taxes. 

Assize of bread fixed in this city at i lb. 12 oz. for 4 coppers 

January. 

Regiment of militia raised in the eastern part of Rensselaerswyck 
Manor under command of Lieut. -Col. John V^an Rensselaer, the 
officers taking the oath of allegiance before Clerk Matthew 
Visscher, June 28. 

Election of Aldermen changed to the last Tuesday in September 
every year by Act of Legislature, March 21. 

Sloop Enterprise returns from its long journey to China, April. 

Rev. John Bassett made a colleague of Rev. Eilardus Westerlo at 
the Dutch Reformed Church, July- 

Lutherans erect their church on the west side of So. Pearl street, 
north of the Ruttenkill, between Beaver and Nail (Howard) 
streets. 

Rensselaerswyck militia provided with uniforms as follows : Com- 
missioned officers, dark blue coats faced with white, and white 
under-clothes ; non-commissioned officers and privates, a white 
linen hunting-shirt and overalls, a round hat three inches in the 
brim, bound with white tape and covered with a piece of bear- 
skin four inches wide over the crown ; a good musket, bayonet 
and cartouch-box, 24 cartridges suitable to the bore of the 
musket, two spare flints, one knapsack and blanket, August. 



372 JOHN LANSING, JUN. No. 30. 

1787-1788. 

Charter election, Common Council : Robert McClannen, John Price, 
I. Peter W. Douw, Henry Ten Eyck, II. Thomas Hun, Leon- 
ard Gansevoort, HI. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

First academies incorporated at Albany by the Regents, Erasmus 
Hall at Flatbush and Clinton Hall at Easthampton, Nov. 20. 

John Bradstreet Schuyler, son of Gen. Philip Schuyler, marries Eliz- 
abeth Van Rensselaer, daughter of Stephen Van Rensselaer, 
Jr., the Patroon, and Catherine Livingston, who was the daugh- 
ter of Philip Livingston, the " Signer.'' 

Gen. Philip Schuyler gives his country seat in Saratoga county to 
]:is son John Bradstreet Schuyler. Dec. 3. 



1788. 



Leonard de Neufville, Jan Heefke and Ferdinand Walfahrt, who are 
endeavoring to manufacture glass at Douwsburg (or Dowes- 
borough) make an appeal to the state for support, claiming that 
too much money is being sent away for glass that might be given 
to home labor, and that their product is superior to the English, 

January. 

Albany Journal, or Montgomery, Washington and Columbia Intelli- 
gencer published first by Charles R. and George Webster, 

Jan. 26. 

Claxton & Babcock come from Lansingburg and publish The Federal 
Herald, Feb. 11. 

Watervliet organized, March 7. 

Legislature authorizes city to raise $io,odo for new Jail, March 11. 

Newspaper called The Albany Register begun by Robert Barber. 

Thaddeus Lawrence being confined in the top floor of the City Hal! 
because of back rent of $100 due to a wealthy citizen, sends out 
a petition that as he is an expert shoeman he desires repairing 
to do in order that he may liberate himself. 

New York state ratifies in convention the articles of the Constitution 
by a vote of 30 to 2.y, seven not voting, July 26. 

Citizens meet to consider celebrating the ratification of the United 
States Constitution by the New York convention, July 28. 

Public celebration at Albany of the ratification of the Constitution, a 
gun fired at sunrise, at 10 a. m., 11 guns fired to assemble to the 
fields near Water-Vliet ; at 10:30. one gun for forming proces- 
sion; II a. m., procession moves, saluting the Constitution; 



No. 30. JOHN LANSING, JUN. 373 



1788. 



parade formed as follows : Albany Troop of Light-Horse com- 
manded by Captain Gansevoort, officers and men uniformed, 
music, Constitution engrossed on parchment suspended upon a 
staff and borne by Ma j. -Gen. Philip Schuyler on horseback; 
standard of the United States carried by Col. John H. Wendell ; 
1 1 citizens representing each state that had ratified the Consti- 
tution, bearing" a parchment scroll with name of the state in 
large letters ; axe-men with garlands of laurels ; an elegant 
plough guided by Stephen Van Rensselaer ; sowers, John Cuy- 
ler, and Capt. Jacob Lansing; a neat harrow guided by Francis 
Nicoll ; farmers neatly dressed with implements of husbandry ; 
Gerrit Witbeck carrying the Farmers' flag bearing the motto 
" God speed the Plough ;" Brewers with a dray carrying a butt, 
astride of which is Master Van Rensselaer in the character of 
Bacchus, with a silver beaker in his hand ; following which w^ere 
printers, watch-makers, weavers and various tradesmen. The 
procession moved through Water-Miet street. Market (Broad- 
way) and State street to the Federal Bower, reached at 12:30 
o'clock, erected on the highest land of the hill west of Fort 
Frederick, and the flags of the divisions were struck in the 
battlements, the edifice being 154 feet long and 44 feet broad, 
raised upon four rows of pillars 15 feet high, composing ii 
arches wreathed in flowers, the centre medallion of all inscribed 
" New York." Here the tables had been spread with viands 
and American cheer by William Van Ingen, and as each toast 
was given a gun was fired ; the Marshal was James Fairlie and 
assistants, Thos. L. Witbeck, Casparus Hewson, John Cuyler, 
Jun., and John Bleecker. On returning to disband, when the 
column had reached Green street a party of anti-Federalists ran 
out and assaulted the procession, and as a cannon was about to 
be discharged upon it Jonathan Kidney drove the end of a file 
into the fuse and prevented disaster, whereupon the Light-Horse 
charged upon the mob and disbursed it ; but so fierce had been 
the struggle that a prominent citizen, James Caldwell, was hurt 
by a brick that struck his head and a part of the Stone House 
was torn away to furnish missiles, Aug. 8. 

Stage line started to Springfield, Mass. 

Charter election, Common Council : Peter W. Yates, Peter Lan- 
singh, L Henry Ten Eyck, Theodorus V. W. Graham, H. 
Thomas Hun, Leonard Gansevoort. Jun. Election, Sept. 24; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 



374 JOHN LANSING, JUN. No. 30. 



1789. 



1789. 

Thermometer 24 degrees below zero, Jan. 2. 

The freeholders of Vanderheyden's or Ashley's Ferry, a place situ- 
ated some six miles above Albany and upon the east bank of the 
Hudson, meet and by a majority vote decide to call the place 
Troy, Jan. 5. 

Council orders Town Whipper to conduct executions at $100 yearly, 

Jan. 30. 

Johannes De Peyster, who had been Albany's i6th Mayor (b. Jan. 
10, 1694, at New Amsterdam), holding many offices and among 
them Member of Provincial Assembly, Indian Commissioner, 
Recorder, Inspector of Ordnance, first Surrogate of Albany 
county. Paymaster of New York's forces in the Revolution, 
Captain of Horse, the son of IMayor Johannes De Peyster of 
New York, dies at Albany, Feb. 2,^. 

Legislature grants Ananias Piatt exclusive right to conduct a stage- 
line to Lansingburg, April 21. 

The Albany Gazette, begun six years previous, now published twice 
a week, May 25. 

Publication of the Albany Journal and Columbia Intelligencer dis- 
continued. May 25. 

State Legislature convenes the third time at Albany, July 6. 

The Common Council desiring to group the church burial-grounds 
at one location appointed Thomas Hun and T. V. W. Graham a 
committee to select a common cemetery, for at this time the 
Episcopal churchyard extended from Yonkers (State) street 
northward across Maiden Lane, the Lutherans had theirs at the 
corner of Washington (So. Pearl) and Beaver streets, that of 
the Presbyterians was east of its church which was near the 
corner of Grand street and Hudson avenue, and the Dutch Re- 
formed was about its church on the south side of Beaver, near 
Green street. The committee reports in favor of a plat border- 
ing on Eagle, Lancaster and State streets, the site of the burned 
barracks, and on which there was a vault, the strip to the east 
to be used by the Presbyterians, one acre, the next acre strip to 
the Episcopalians, the next westward to the Lutherans, half of 
the next strip to the Reformed High Dutch or German Re- 







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No. 30. JOHN LANSING, JUN. 



375 



1789-1790. 



formed, and the remaining half acre with the most western acre 
strip to the Dutch church, Sept. 19. 

At a term of the Supreme Court held here beginning in July, six 
were convicted and ordered to be given 39 lashes each at the 
public whipping-post before the City Hall (Broadway and Hud- 
son ave.} and Francis Uss, convicted of robbing a store at 
Poughkeepsie to be publicly hanged, September. 

]''erry street in south part of city opened to Washington (So. Pearl) 
street. 

Charter election. Common Council : Peter Lansingh, John de Pey- 
ster Ten Eyck, I. Henry Ten Eyck, Abraham Cuyler, H. Leon- 
ard Gansevoort, Philip Lansingh, HI. Election, Sept. 29; 
sworn in, / ' Oct. 13.' 



1790. 



Methodists erect a small building for their services at the southeast 
corner of No. Pearl and Orange streets (standing in 1906) 
called the chapel of the society, organized by Capt. T. Webb of 
the British army. 

Population of the city about 3,506. 

Albany county's population (with larger limits than in 1900} about 
75,180; New York, 30,032; Dutchess, 42,235, being the three 
largest in the state at the time, with Albany the greatest and 
larger than the next two largest combined. 

Population of New York state 340.120. 

Slaves in this state at this time number 21,324. 

First licensed auctioneer's office opened, Cornelius J. Wynkoop at 
No. 8 Market street, ' January. 

Rensselaerville formed from Watervliet, March 8. 

Legislature allows proprietors of Mills and Papskni islands to erect 
a dam to shut out the water course between them and by direct- 
mg the water into the main channel clear the Overslaugh, 

April 2. 

Gypsum is introduced as a fertilizer by Chancellor Livingston. 

Synod of New York and New Jersey erect a new Presbytery in this 
part of the state to be known as the Presbytery of Albany and 
to convene for the first time in November. 



Z7^ JOHN LANSING, JUN. No. 30. 

1790. 

Names of streets changed at this time : Canal from Howe to Fox, 
Orange from Wall to Hare, State' from Prince to Deer, Knox 
from Gage to Swallow, Elm from Pitt to Otter, Park avenue 
from Monckton to Mink, Madison avenue from Wolfe to Wolf, 
Robin from Schoharie to Duck, Washington avenue from King 
to Lion, Hudson avenue from Quiter to Buffaloe, Hudson ave- 
nue from Schenectade to Snipe, Lancaster from Predeaux to 
Tiger, Elk changed from Queen, Eagle from Duke, Hawk from 
Hawke, Swan from Boscawen, Dove from Warren, Lark from 
Johnson, Sept. 1 1. 

St. Peter's church deeded site o£ its third edifice at the northwest 
corner of State and Lodge streets by the city, in exchange for 
land formerly used by the church and required for street pur- 
poses. 

Seal of the city with arms, (since discovered affixed to records) in 
early use on a map of a portion of Albany made by Simeon De 
Witt, made this year. 

Charter election, Common Council : Peter Lansingh, John de Pey- 
ster Ten Eyck, L Henry Ten Eyck, Abraham Cuyler, H. 
Philip Lansingh, Leonard Gansevoort, Jun. Election, Sept. 28 ; 
sworn in, Oct. 12. 

Abraham Yates, Jun., appointed the Mayor of Albany, Oct. 13. 



(See No. 31.) 



No. 31. 

Abraljam f atrs, 3un. 



Oct. 19, 1790 — Oct. 14, 1796. 



No. 31. 
ABRAHAAI YATES, JUN. 

Date of office: October 19, 1790-October 14, 1796. 

Date of appointment: October 13, 1790. 

Appointed by: Governor George Clinton. 

Date of birth: August 23, 1724. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Christoffel (Y.) and Catalyntje Winne. 

Education: Good schooling. 

Married to: Antje De Ridder. 

Place: Albany. 

Children: (4 s.) Christoffel (1747). Christoffel (1748), Tanneke 
(1750), Cornelis (1753!). 

Occupation : Financier. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: June 30, 1796. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Albany County Sheriff', 1754-55. Deputy to Provincial 
Convention of New York, April, 1775. President pro tern. 
I St Provincial Congress, 1775. Deputy to 2d and 3d Pro- 
vincial Congresses, 1775, 1776. Member of committee,. 
Provincial Congress, to prepare form of government, com- 
mittee of thirteen, 1776-77. Member of Council of Appoint- 
ment, 1777. Member of Council of Safety, 1777-78. State 
Senator, ist to 13th sessons, inclusive, 1777-92. City 
Receiver, 1778-79. First Postmaster of Albany, 1783. Dele- 
gate to Continental Congress, 1787-88. Patriotic, energetic 
in city affairs. 




31. ABRAHAM YATES, Jun. 
I 790- I 796. 
From a photograph of the oil painting by Robert, that was owned in 1890 
by Senator Abraham Lansing of Albany. 



No. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, J UN. 379 

1790-1791. 

(Continued from No. 30.) 
1790. 



Abraham Yates, Jun., sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding 
John Lansing, Jun., having been appointed such on Oct. 13th, 
by Gov. George CHnton, Oct, 19. 

River closed to navigation, Dec. 8. 

Dominie Eilardus Westerlo, who came to this country from Holland 
in the latter part of 1760 to be the pastor of the Reformed Dutch 
Churcli of this city, which office he held for 31 years with great 
respect for his piety and learning and had married the widow 
of Stephen Van Rensselaer, aged 53 years (buried in the Van 
Rensselaer family vault) dies, Dec. 26. 

Population of the towns of Albany county at this time : Albany, 
3,506; Ballston, 6,823; Cambridge, 4,967; Cattskill, 1,988; Cox- 
sakie, 3,416; Duanesburgh, 1,495; Easton 2,502; Frceliold. 
1,748; Halfmoon, 3,607; Hosack, 3,033 ; Pittstown, 2,425 ; Rens- 
selaer-ville, 2,777; Rensselaerswyck, 8,048; Saratoga. 3,081; 
Schaticook, 1,617; Schenectady, 4,317; Schohary, 2,069; Ste- 
phentown, 7,042 ; Stillwater, 3.052 ; Water-Vliet, 7,667 ; total, 
75,180, (from which transcription of the list of the time stated, 
in 1900 seems odd that some of the small towns had twice the 
population of Albany.), Dec. 31. 



1 791. 



Troy chartered as a village, having at this time some 70 shops. 

By Act of Legislature Albany loses a large portion of her territory 
as a county in the formation of Saratos^a and Rensselaer coun- 
ties being formed therefrom ; the part east of the Hudson named 
Rensselaer, with 29,634 inhabitants ; that north of the Mohawk 
named Saratoga, with 17,463 inhabitants; and what is left of 
Albany county with 28,192 inhabitants, and at the same time 
the town of Rensselaerswyck was divided into two towns, 

Feb. 7. 

Coeymans formed from Watervliet, March 18. 



380 ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. No. 3I. 

1791-1792. 

First mail route by stage-coach established with Bennington, Vt., on 
its 30th anniversary of its settlement, Alarch 25. 

River open to navigation, March 27. 

Colonic set apart as a district, ]March 31. 

Sloop Nancy makes trip to New York and back in 7 days, April. 

Printers refuse to buy rags because of smallpox epidemic, April 18. 

Earthquake shock felt at 10 a. m.. May 16. 

.raving of No. Market street (Broadway) uses so many thousand 
loads of cobble-s that there is a dearth of that sort of stone, 

June. 

Many emigrants to the " Far West." as the Genesee valley is termed, 
passing through the city from New England states, June. 

Samuel Cook, aged 84 years, condemned to be hanged for forgery, 

June. 

Market built on No. Market street (Broadway) between Yonkers 
(State) street and Maiden Lane, costing $1,110. 

Fredenrich meat market (of 1900) established by John C. Freden- 
rich on No. Market street near Maiden Lane. 

John Stewart, famous English pedestrian who had toured on foot 
Europe, Asia and Africa, arrives here on his way to Canada, 

July 28. 

Methodists erecting their first edifice at the s. e. cor. Orange and No. 
Pearl streets, a wooden building, August. 

Dominie John Bassett publishes his collection of " Psalms, Hymns 
and Spiritual Songs," for the use of the Reformed Protestant 
Dutch Church in North America, September. 

Erie canal conceived by Elkanah Watson, who explores the ground 
from Schnectady to Geneva. 

Charter election. Common Council : Peter Lansingh, John W. Wen- 
dell, L Jacob Bleecker, Jun., John N. Bleecker, IL Abraham 
Schuyler, Samuel Stringer, IIL Election, Sept. 27; sworn in, 

Oct. II. 

River closed to navigation, Dec. 6. 

Citizens hold a meeting and form an association they style the 
Albany Library, each subscribing $25, Dec. 20. 



1792. 



Citizens of this city start subscriptions to erect a college on a public 
square in Albany to be selected (resulting in establishment of 
Union College), Jan. 4. 



No. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. 381 

1792. 



Fire-engine to be pumped by hand (the second had been bought in 
1763) purchased of John JNlason of Philadelphia and installed 
in a shed at the n. w. corner of the old English church in Yonk- 
ers (State) street. 

Post-road established by Congress from this city, through Sche- 
nectady to Canajoharie and fixing the rate of postage that may 
be charged, Feb. i. 

Men of wealth assemble at Robert Lewis' City Tavern (s. e. cor. 
State and Pearl streets) to discuss establishing a bank in this 
city, there never having been any institution of the sort, at which 
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer presides, and a committee is named 
to formulate the plans, consisting of Cornelius Glen, John Tay- 
ler, Daniel Hale, Gerrit W. Van Schaick and Abraham Van 
Vechten, Feb. 3. 

The financial men hold a second meeting at Lewis' Tavern and de- 
cide to call the proposed institution the " Albany Bank." Feb. 10. 

Subscription books for the proposed Albany Bank opened at the 
City Tavern, with deposits of $15 per share, which are over- 
run in less than three hours, Feb. 17. 

Presbyterian, first church in Rensselaerville, Rev. Samuel Fuller, 
established. 

Incorporation of the Albany Library as " The Trustees of the 
Albany Library," which had been organized on Dec. 20th, 1791, 
naming as such trustees: Abraham Ten Broeck, John Lansing, 
Jun., Philip Schuyler, Stephen V^n Rensselaer, Jeremiah Van 
Rensselaer, Thomas Ellison, John McDonald, James Fairlie, 
Daniel Hale, Hunloke Woodruff, Goldsbrow Banyar, and 
Stephen Lush, with Abraham Ten Broeck as president, James 
Van Ingen as treasurer and first librarian, Feb. 24. 

Because of the insurrection of the blacks on plantations of island of 
Hispanola a society is organized here to manufacture maple 
sugar, and 8,000 kettles, holding 100 pounds, are made to be 
sold here and throughout the state, Feb. 25. 

Albany Bank elects directors : Philip Schuyler, Abraham Ten Broeck, 
Stephen Van Rensselaer, Goldsbrow Banyar, Jeremiah Van 
Rensselaer, Cornelius Glen, Daniel Hale, John Maley, James 
Caldwell, John Stevenson, Stephen Lush, Albert Pawling and 
John Sanders, Feb. 27. 

River open to navigation, March 17. 

Bank of Albany incorporated, April 10. 

Greenbush (Indian term Tuscameatic-Aet, or Green Bosch, Pine 
Woods"), a town, April 10. 

Bank of Albany elects Abraham Ten Broeck president, June 12. 



382 ABRAHAM YATES, J UN. No. 3 1. 

1792-1793. 



Joseph Brant, celebrated Indian warrior, on his way to transact busi- 
ness of national import at Philadelphia, passes through, June. 

Bank of Albany opens at the third house from State street on east 
side of No. Pearl street (No. ii in 1900) with Gerrit W. Van 
Schaick its first cashier, July 16. 

Third Albany newspaper, Norther Intelligencer, started by Sol. Bal- 
lentine and C. R. Webster. 

Mineral spring with supposedly great mineral value discovered 
on the hill across the river, July. 

Directors of the Northern Inland Lock Navigation Co., with Philip 
Schuyler president, meet and discuss making a survey between 
the Hudson and the streams leading to Lake Champlain, assisted 
by a Scotchman named Nesbit who understood the science of 
canals, July 27. 

Western Inland Lock Navigation Co., organizes, choosing Philip 
Schuyler president and Barent Bleecker the treasurer, intending 
to improve the Mohawk to Little Falls, Aug. 11. 

South ferry pays the city for year's lease, $5,890. 

Charter election. Common Council : Peter Lansingh, John W. Wen- 
dell, I. John N. Bleecker, Isaac D. Fonda, II. Abraham. 
Schuyler, Samuel Stringer, III. Election. Sept. 25 ; sworn in, 

Oct. 9. 

Stage line started to Whitestone in Oneida county, 100 miles, leaving 
from the office of the Gazette, and Messrs. Webster ofifer to for- 
ward letters gratuitously, December. 

River closed to navigation, Dec. 12. 



1793. 



Fire ranks, a line of men, women and youths, ordered to pass up 
and return fire-buckets, each house required to hang three' 
buckets in its hall way and attend fires, the engines being filled 
by these buckets and then thrown by handpumping. 

Albany Mechanics Society organized with John W. Wendell presi- 
dent, for relief of the widows and orphans, which for many 
years was to do good service, Jan. 10. 

Regents recommend establishment of common school system. 

Specimens of maple sugar product shown before the Legislature, 
and bill introduced to grant premiums on sugar from the maple 
of from 2 to 4 cents per pound, February. 

Ref'd Dutch Church CRev. Jacob Sickles) established, Coeymans, 

'March 5. 



No. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. 383 

1793. 

Chains stretched across So. Pearl street by consent of the Common 
Council barring vehicles passing the First Presbyterian Church 
during services. 

River opened to navigation, March 6. 

Society for Promotion of Agriculture, Arts and Manufactures (the 
original of one of the bodies later forming the Albany Insti- 
tute) chartered. 

Bethlehem erected a township and is taken from Watervliet, 

March 12. 

Common Council passes ordinance that no gutters henceforth shall 
project as they had since ancient times, far out into the street 
from the eaves, drenching passersby, May. 

Legislature grants a loan of 3,000 Eng. pounds for eight years to 
the glass manufactory at a place called the Glass House, eight 
miles west of the city, owned by McClallen, McGregor & Co., 
in which firm were James Caldwell and Christopher Batterman. 

Bank of Albany after a year in operation declares a dividend of 
$4.25 per share, the shares selling originally by subscription for 
$15, May 14. 

First stage line connection with Ballston, opened by John Hudson 
of Schenectady and John Rogers of Ballston, but running to 
this city, July 10. 

Moses Beal starts a stage line to Schenectady, Johnstown and Cana- 
joharie, leaving twice a week, fare 3 cents per mile, J^'^h'- 

River front leases in perpetuity started. 

Methodist church erected at Coeymans. 

Ezra Ames, celebrated local portrait painter, opens a studio in Mark 
Lane, August 

Reverdy Randolph and Timothy Pickering, two of the commission- 
ers who had been sent to treat with the far west Indians, hostile 
in nature, return and report that the Indians had insisted that 
the western boundary of the United States be the Ohio river, 

Sep. 6. 

Hon. Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck, who had been the 22nd Mayor of 
Albany, (1748-1750) a man of wealth and integrity of char- 
acter. Member of Committee of Safety, Commissioner of In- 
dian Affairs, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and who 
was born at Albany on Apr. 21, 1705, the son of Coenraedt 
Ten Eyck and Geertje Van Schaick, dies, Sept. 9. 

Citizens agitate the matter of lighting the streets with lamps, 

Sept. 12. 

A committee of physicians call upon " Col. Alexander Hamilton 
and his lady " who had come from Philadelphia and were guests 
at the Schuyler Mansion, because of the prevalence of yellow 



384 ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. No. 3 1. 

1793-1794. 



fever in that city, and report them to he in excellent health and 
nnlikelv to spread the pestilence among citizens, Sept. 2^^. 

Charter election for aldermen and assistants of the six wards, 

Sept. 24. 

Charter election, Common Council: Abraham Ten Eyck, Philip S. 
van Rensselaer, I. John N. Bleecker, Jacob J. Lansingh, II. 
Jeremiah Lansingh, Dirck Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 24; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Stage line inaugurated to Northampton " crossing mountains that 
had hitherto been considered an insurmountable route," 

November. 

One of the largest fires ever experienced at Albany, starting in the 
stable of Leonard Gansevoort and consuming most of the block 
bounded by Broadway, Maiden Lane, James and State streets, 
principally along Broadway, and the Gazette office at No. 36 
State street, John Maley the chief loser, loss about $250,000 
and 26 houses destroyed, Nov. 17. 

Slaves having been known to fire buildings about the city, and sus- 
pected as the incendiaries of Nov. 17th, the Common Council 
passes a law that no slave shall be abroad after 9 o'clock at 
night under penalty of confinement in the jail, Nov. 25. 

Common Council ordains that " no butcher or other person shall 
sell or dispose of any lamb, mutton, veal, pork or other dead 
victual for more than four pence per pound, under a penalty 
of eight shillings for very such ofifence," Nov. 25. 

Volckert P. Douw's slave Dinah executed on Pinxter Hill for setting 
fire to Leonard Gansevoort's barn on Nov. 17th, thus starting 
the large conflagration with $250,000 loss, November. 

Common Council passes a law establishing a night watch, consist- 
ing of 24 persons each night, drawn from male inhabitants over 
16 years of age, to assemble at 8 p. m. on notice of the mar- 
shal and serve until daybreak under penalty of 6 shillings, and 
those over 60 years of age might send a substitute, Nov. 27. 

River closed to navigation, Dec. 26. 



1794. 



Negro slave named Pomp is charged with setting fire to Leonard 
Gansevoort's stable, causing the disastrous conflagration of 
November 17th, found guilty and ordered to be hung on Janu- 
ary 24th, also Bet and Dan, two female slaves, found guilty 
and ordered hanged at same time, Jan. 6. 




ALBANY MAP OF 1794. 

An interesting map of the city, with former names of streets, made for the Mayor. 
Aldermen and Commonalty, by Surveyor Simeon De Witt in 1794. 



No. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, J UN. 385 

1794. 

The three negro slaves who were to be hanged this day for setting 
fire to Leonard Gansevoort's stable, granted a respite of six 
weeks of grace, Jan. 24. 

Citizens send $866.40 to Philadelphia fire sufferers, Jan. 28. 

Mr. Holt of Cherry Hill, near south bounds of the city brings a cow 
weighing over 1,100 pounds to market, February. 

Those in jail imprisoned for debt petition the Legislature for a law 
to compel their creditors to support them while imprisoned, 
which would have the effect that no creditor would wish to 
press a man for money due lest he be imprisoned and become 
a charge, February. 

Dock association formed, Maiden Lane to State street. 

Sufferers by fires of importance recently here and at Lansingburg, 
petition the Legislature to be allowed to recoup their losses by 
a lottery and the committee considering the matter of the opin- 
ion the cases were meritorious and according bring in a bill, 

February. 

Bank of Albany increases its capital from $75,000 to $540,000 (135 
shares $400 each), February. 

The two negro female slaves hanged for setting fire to Leonard 
Gansevoort's stable, which spread disastrously, March 14. 

River open to navigation, March 17. 

Proposals for building the First Presbyterian church at the n. e. 
corner of So. Pearl and Beaver streets, 64 x 76 feet, March 28. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer, son of Gen. Henry K. Van Rensselaer of 
Rensselaerswyck promoted to captaincy in U. S. cavalry, 

March. 

Pomp, charged with firing Leonard Gansevoort's stable, Nov. 17, 
1793, confesses, which confessions are sold at No. 2 Pearl street, 
and he is hanged accordingly, April 11. 

Stephen Van Rensselaer elected member of Williams College cor- 
ooration. May 19, 

Anna De Peyster Douw, wife of ex-Mayor Volckert P. Douw 
(burial at Wolven Hoeck, Douws Point) dies at her home 
ac.oss the river, June 14. 

Bank of Albany builds on west side of Broadway, six doors north of 
State street. 

Jacob J. Lansing, an alderman and magistrate, a " God-fearing man 
and valuable friend," dies, June 21. 

Western Inland Lock Navigation Co. contracts with four companies 
of laborers to dig the canal, .June 22. 

Trade in wheat very extensive, July- 

James Caldwell's chocolate mill, one mile north of the city, burns 
with loss of $65,000, being entirely consumed, July 12. 



386 ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. No. 3I. 

1794-1795. 



Jacob Waldron and wife, who had been captured by Shawnee In- 
dians with a part of Gen. Wayne's army, but escaped in March, 
arrive from Detroit and helped financially on their way by 
Humane Society, October. 

Charter election. Common Council : Abraham Ten Broeck, Philip 
S. van Rensselaer, I. Barent G. Staats, Kunloke Woodrufif, II. 
Theodorus V. W. Graham, John Jauncey, III. Election, Sept. 
30; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Teunis Visscher dies, Oct. 16. 

Fare to New York by stage-coach $7.25, time two days, October. 

Common Council advertises for proposals to supply the city with 
water by an aqueduct from the spring- at Five-Mile House on 
the Schenectady turnpike, Nov. 10. 

Bank of Albany pays semi-annual dividend of ^Vi'^'^, Nov. 14. 

Extensive glass factory eight miles west of city in full and success- 
ful operation, giving employment to numerous citizens, Dec. 2. 

Abraham Bloodgood sells to Mayor Abraham Yates, Jun., and the 
Commonalty " a certain Negro Male Slave being a Chimney 
Sweep, called Caesar," for 85 Eng. pounds of lawful money of 
the State of New York, Dec. 5. 

Stephen \"an Rensselaer prohibits any further cutting of firewood 
upon his estates, excepting those who had permit by deed, end- 
ing a custom that had been in vogue a century and a half, 

Dec. 15. 

Albanians having suscribed 6,000 Eng. pounds towards erection of 
a college are disappointed upon the Regents voting 1 1 to 3 to 
establish it at Schenectady, Dec. 22. 



1795. 



City seal, the third ever used and bearing arms, is first used as a seal 

with wax (as far as since discovered). 
Streets first lighted, ' January. 

Lansingburg known as New City at this time, being designated by 

the Dutch " de nieuwe stad," Albany being referred to as " de 

oude stad." 
Postmaster at Albany at this time George W. Mancius. January. 
John Hudson running two stages daily to Schenectady, drawn by 

four horses, January. 

River closed to navigation for the season, Jan. 12. 

So much emigration to the western part of the state (called the Far 

West) that 500 sleighs pass through the city in one day and a 



No. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. 387 

1795. 

count shows 1,200 sleighs, mostly from New England states 
passing westward through this city in three days, containing 
families with their household goods, February. 

Union College founded, John Blair Smith, President, Feb. 25. 

Arent Van Curlaer, aged 107 years, dies at Mapletown, Rensselaer 
county, March i 

Legislature passes bill subscribing for 200 shares of the Inland Lock 
companies now building canals, A'larch. 

Legislative Act dividing Rensselaerville and forming the new town 
to be called Berne, March 17. 

Schoharie county formed from Albany county, April 6. 

Legislature appropriates $100,000 annually for 5 years to encourage 
the schools of the state, Albany county being allotted $3,750, 

April 7. 

Fifty sailing vessels arrive nere on the beginning of the open season. 

The MacGregor & Co. Glass works firm dissolved and formed under 
the title of Thomas Alather & Co., April 17. 

At the election John Jay chosen governor, Stephen Van Rensselaer 
of Albany the lieut. -governor and Gen. Philip Schuyler senator, 

April 28. 

Thennometer 14 degrees below zjro, unusual for this season, 

April 30. 

Flour selling for $10 a barrel m New York and in France, shipped 
there, from $15 to $20 per barrel, June 15. 

Davis Hunt of Watervliet gives a deed of sale of his negro slave 
Pompey to the Mayor. Alderman and Commonalty of the City 
of Albany for the sum of 65 Eng. pounds of lawful money of 
the state, June 22. 

John Jay, elected in April, becomes governor, July i- 

Bank of Albany moves into its new building on west side of Broad- 
way, six doors north of State street, July 20. 

Cohoes bridge opened, July 24. 

Sloops running regularly to Albany number ninety, July 30. 

Jacob Kidney, many years high constable, dies, Aug. 19. 

Henry Ten Eyck, a highly respected citizen, dies, Sept. 14. 

Captain John, an Oneida sachem and one who had usually spoken 
for his tribe in making treaties, dies here and numerous Indians 
attend his burial, with their rites, in the Presbyterian cemetery, 

Sept. 15. 

Henry Wendell, former sherifl^, aged 63, dies, Oct. i. 

Mayor Yates is again appointed ^layor of Albany, Oct. 2. 

Charter election. Common Council : Arie Lagrange, Philip S. van 
Rensselaer, I. Barent G. Staats, Kunloke Woodrufif, II. Peter 



\ 



388 ABRAHAM YATES^ JUN. No. 3I. 

1795-1796. 

W. Douw, Jeremiah Lansingh, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn 

in, Oct. 13. 

Francois Alexandre Frederic, due de la Rochefoucault Liancourt, a 

noted French officer, visits Albany and makes notes for his book 

" Voyage dans les Etats-Unis." 
Lighting of the city required during the year 257 gallons of oil, 

Dec. 31. 



1796. 



Morse's American Geography, printed this year, declares Albany 
water to be " extremely bad, scarcely drinkable." 

John Clark and Reuben King start stage line to Boston, January. 

River closed to navigation for the season, Jan. 23. 

Stage fare to New York at this time $10, February. 

Legislative Act allowing Albany to obtain water by conduit, 

February. 

Rev. John B. Johnson made colleague of Rev. John Bassett, 

March 23. 

Gen. Philip Schuyler, Abraham Ten Broeck, Daniel Hale, Jeremiah 
Van Rensselaer and Tennis Van Vechten appointed commis- 
sioners to build a state prison at Albany, March 26. 

Glass in large Cjuantities produced in Colonic, March. 

Yonkers (State) street ordered paved from Broadway to public 
square on the hill March. 

Messrs. Beeckman, Van Vechten, Van Rensselaer and Bleecker ap- 
pointed by the Dutch Church consistory to procure materials 
for a new edifice to be erected on west side of No. Pearl street. 

May 10. 

Subscriptions started to erect a Roman Catholic chapel at the n. w. 
corner of Pine and Barrack (Chapel) streets, to face upon the 
former street, by Thomas Barry and Louis Le Coulteaux, June. 

Abraham Yates, Jun., Mayor of Albany, dies, June 30. 

The commission to erect a state prison buys six acres at Broadway 
and Lawrence street, that later becomes site of state arsenal 
and then School No. 13, July. 

Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck appointed the Mayor of Albany. 

• • • 
(See No. 28.) 



No. 32. 

Jpljiltp ^rltugbr Han SmsB^la^r. 



Jan. 1, 1799 — Jvily 7. 1816. 

* * ♦ 

Julys, 1819 — Feb. 18, 1821. 



No. -^2. 
PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 

Date of office: (a) January i, 1799-July 7, 1816. 

(b) July 3, 1819-February 18, 1821. 

Date of appointment: (a) December 27, 1798. 
(b) July 3, 1819. 

Appointed by: (a) Governor John Jay. 

(b) Governor DeWitt Clinton. 

Date of birth: April 15, 1766. 

Place of birth: Van Rensselaer Manor House. 

Parents: Stephen (\'. R.) and Catherine Livingston. 

Education: Good schooling. 

Married to: Anne De Peyster Van Cortlandt. (d. Jan. 10, 1855.) 

Date: 17^7. 

Children: None. 

Residence: North side State street, east corner Chapel street. 

Occitpation: Banker. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: September 25, 1824. 

Place of death: No. 85 State street. 

Place of burial: Van Rensselaer Manor Ground (later Rural Ceme- 
tery). 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Grandson of Philip Livingston, " Signer." Public 
spirited. Moral. Promoter of education. President of the 
Bank of Albany. 




32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 

1799-1816; 1819-21. 
From an oil portrait owned in 1904 bv Mrs. Alexander Wells of Grove 
Hill. N. Y. 



No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 39I 



1799. 



(Continued from No. 28.) 
1799. 



Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer, having been appointed Mayor of 
Albany on Dec. 27, 1798, by Governor John Jay, to succeed 
Mayor Abraham Ten Broeck. he assumes the office of Mayor, 

Jan. I. 

The State Hall or Capitol, ordered built for the state officers and 
the filing- of state documents and as a place for transaction of 
state matters, completed at the southwest corner of State and 
Lodge streets. 

Cayuga chiefs arrive prepared to arrange with the Legislature for 
the sale of all lands remaining to them in the state, January. 

Great Western Turnpike Company incorporated. 

Steps taken to erect a state arsenal by Henry L Bogart advertising 
for proposals to erect the same on a lot bought by the state for 
a state prison, southeast corner of No. Market (Broadway) and 
Lawrence streets (which property the city bought in 1858 for 
purposes of School No. 13), January. 

Company incorporated to establish a turnpike from Albany to 
Lebanon Springs. 

First drawing of the N. Y. State Road Lottery, consisting of 6,458 
prizes amounting to $125,000, and 18.542 blanks, a total of 
25,000 tickets at $5 apiece, considered a most worthy public ob- 
ject, commenced according to laws of I797> May 14. 

Western Inland Lock Navigation Co. declares 3,^ dividend, May 17. 

Common Council passes a law requiring constables " to stop all 
manner of persons who shall be riding for pleasure, or who 
may expose any articles for sale on Sunday," June 21. 

Channel made in the river between Troy and Lansingburg 30 feet 
wide and 5 feet deep at low water, doing away with " Lower 
Reef," June. 

Churches raise $555.87 for New York city yellow fever sick, 

June 19. 

Ordered that a loaf of superfine flour weigh 12 oz. and of tail flour 
to weigh I lb. and sell for 6 pence. June. 

Barber & Southwick open a circulating library with 400 volumes, 
charging $4 per annum to subscribers, July- 

Second or South Dutch Reformed Church being erected on south 
side of Beaver, through to Hudson street (avenue), midway 
between So. Pearl and Green streets, July. 



392 PHILIP SCHTYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1799-1800. 

Charter election, Common Council : George Merchant, Isaac Bo- 
gart, I. Jeremiah Lansingh, Barent G. Staats, II. Enoch 
Leonard, Peter Dox, III. Election, Sept. 24; sworn in, 

Oct. 8. 

Directors of the First Company of the Great Western Turnpike 
Road advertise for contractors to begin at Schoharie creek and 
work westward, the width to be 2S< feet, the material to be stone 
or gravel, Charles R. Webster, secretary. 

City taxed $4,184 for night-watch, whale-oil for street-lighting 
lamps, maintenance of the poor and public schools, for one year. 

Death of George Washington at Mount Vernon on Dec. 14th an- 
nounced at Albany on the arrival of post-riders in 9 days after 
it transpired, and immediately the Common Council resolves that 
the bells be tolled that afternoon from 3 to 5 o'clock and that 
aldermen wear crape upon the arm for six weeks, Dec. 23. 



1800. 



Population of the city 5,349 and of state 586,756, Jan. i. 

Slaves in the state at this time number 33,343, Jan. i. 

River closed (since spring of 1799), Jan. 3. 

F'irst local letter-carrier, William Winne, delivering, Jan. 5. 

Albany observes funeral solemnities in honor of the late President 
Washington, suspends all business and participates in a parade 
by civic, military and masonic bodies, as well as the law, physic 
and divinity, all uniting in one grand pageant the like of which 
had never been witnessed at Albany, Thursday, Jan. 9. 

City streets lighted at night by whale-oil lamps which extend at no 
spot further than half a mile back of the river, the rest of the 
land being unsettled upon, Feb. i. 

The Legislature having determined to set apart Washington's birth- 
day as a fitting time to commemorate his great deeds and many 
virtues, it is observed by an oration at 9 a. m. at St. Mary's 
Roman Catholic Church by Rev. Matthew O'Brien, a procession 
starting from the City Hall (So. Market St., Broadway) moving 
through State and up No. Pearl street to the North Dutch 
Reformed Church, where Rev. John P>. Johnson, pastor, deliv- 
ered a sermon. Revs. Bassett and Nott assisting in the exercises, 
followed in the afternoon by an oration from Maj. Michael 
Gabriel Ploudin in the City Hall, Feb. 22. 




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IsFo. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 393 

1800-1801. 

Harmaniis P. Schuyler succeeds John Given as county sheriff. 

Scow drawn by a rope used as a ferry and the only means of com- 
munication with lands across the Hudson river. 

John V. Henry appointed state comptroller, March 12. 

Greene county, named after Gen. Nathaniel Greene, formed from 
Albany and Ulster counties, March 25. 

John Maude, an English tourist, declares in a description of the city 
that Albany water is " a pleasant, wholesome beverage." 

Ground to the westward of Middle Public Square (State, Knox and 
Willett streets) made a public burial-place. 

Charter election, Common Council : George Merchant, Sebastian 
Visscher, I. Rensselaer Westerlo, James Caldwell, H. Peter 
Dox, John Jauncey, HI. Gerrit Bogart, Abraham Bloodgood, 
IV. Election, Sept. ; sworn in, Oct. 14. 



1801. 



l^iver open to navigation, Feb. 28. 

Jeremiah Van Rensselaer elected lieutenant-governor, on Demo- 
cratic ticket, although in Albany county (his locality) he had 
but 789 votes in comparison with his opponent, J. Watson, on 
Federalist ticket, who had 2,048 votes, and George Clinton was 
elected governor, with 24,808 votes, to Stephen Van Rensse- 
laer's 20,843 votes. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer's wife, Margaret Schuyler (bap. Sept. 
24, 1758) dies. March. 

Death of Volckert Pietrus Douw, the 25th Mayor of Albany, at his 
home on Douw's Point, Wolven-Hoeck, opposite the lower end 
of the city, and at the funeral held subsequently the guests im- 
bibe so freely of the delicious concoction he had prepared with 
spices in a keg some time before in celebration of this event, 
that they were transported to their homes on ox-sleds, March 20. 

Watervliet village incorporated, March 30. 

Stephen Van Rensselaer, the Patroon of the Manor, (born Nov. i, 
1764) made a major-general of cavalry. 

Tontine Coffee House, on State street, where so many public meet- 
ings had been held and where were organized some of the city's 
largest institutions, taken over from Ananias Piatt, who had 
conducted it for the past three years, by Mat. Gregory from 
Waterford, ' May 12. 



394 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 



1801-1802. 



Gen. Benedict Arnold, who had been located here and led troops 
from here to Ticonderoga, dies in London, Jnne 14. 

George Clinton, elected in April, becomes Governor of New York, 

Jnly I. 

Gov. George Clinton arrives at Albany and takes up his residence 
in the house vacated by Gov. John Jay, Nos. 66 and 68 State 
street, July 11. 

Corner-stone of the Ignited Presbyterian Church laid by Rev. John 
McDonald, Oct. 5. 

Convention held at the Capitol to revise the state's Constitution, 
convening this day, Aaron ilurr presiding, Oct. 13.- 

Charter election, Common Council : George Merchant, Sebastian 
Visscher, I. Rensselaer VVesterlo, John Cuyler, II. John 
Jauncey, Richard S. Treat, III. (lerrit Hogart, Abraham 
Bloodgood, IV. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 13. 

Constitutional convention adjourns, Oct. 27. 

Organization meeting to discuss project of the Schenectady Turn- 
pike at City Tavern, at which a committee of nine is named to 
digest a plan and report particulars. Xov. 3. 

Special committee reports details of organizing the Schenectady 
Turnpike road, deciding for 2.000 shares of $50 each, this city 
immediately subscribing for t,6oo shares and leaving 400 shares 
for Schenectady, no person being allowed to liold more than 10 
shares, Nov. 10. 

Stockholders of the Schenectady Turn])ike Co. meet and elect the 
first board: Hon. John Lansing, Jr., president; Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, Stephen Lush. Daniel 1 1 all. John Tayler, Garrett W. 
Van Schaick, Dudley Walsh, Abraham ( )othout and Joseph 
C. Yates, directors, Nov. 24. 

River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 6. 

For lighting the city during the year 1,187 gallons of oil used, cost- 
ing 320 Eng. Pounds (about $1,600), and for cleaning and 
ligiiting the oil-lamj) posts 97 Eng. jjounds (about $485). 

Dec. 31, 



18 2. 



L^nited Presbyterian Church's new edifice o])ened at the corner of 
Canal ( Sheridan ave. ) and Chanel streets, Jan. 3. 

Lawton Annesley (later Annesley & \'int. then Annesley & Co., 
Richard Lord .\nni'sle\' head o^ the firm in 1906 and James 




ST. PETER'S CHURCH — SECOND EDIFICE. 

The first edifice, built in middle of State st. (opposite Chapel st.), 
1714-15, size 42x58 ft., was taken down in July, 1802. On May 7, 
1802, the corner-stone of the second building (n. w. cor. State and 
Lodge sts.) was laid. Consecrated Oct. 4, 1803. 



No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 395 

1802. 

\'int with an independent store in 1906) establishes an art 
store. 

Contract signed to build the second St. Peter's church of stone, be- 
tween " the Rector and Inhabitants of the City of Albany, &c." 
and Philip Hooker (architect), Elisha Putnam, Garrett W. Van 
Schiack and Samuel Hill, Jan. 26. 

Albany Waterworks Company organized, making use of large trunks 
of trees bored through the centres with a hole of about two 
inches, jointed with iron pipes; capital $40,000: securing supply 
from the Maezlandt kill, northwest of the city, Feb. 2. 

Rev. Andrew VVilson installed by the Associate Reformed Pres- 
bytery of Washington over the united congregations of Albany 
and Lansingburg, April 20. 

Killian K. Van Rensselaer elected Congressman by 1,306 votes over 
Abraham C. Lansing with 793 votes, April. 

Rev. Thomas Ellison of St. Peter's Church (appointed rector May i, 
1787) dies without beholding the completion of the new edifice, 
the fund for which he had labored assiduously to raise, aged 42, 

April 26. 

Waterworks Company pays a dividend of 3%, April. 

Corner-stone of the new (2nd edifice) St. Peter's church laid at its 
northeast corner by John Stevenson, vestryman, the building 
being erected at the northwest corner of State and Lodge 
streets, with its southeastern corner, at intersection of these 
streets, on the site of the northeast basion of the removed Fort 
Frederick, stone being the material and eventually costing 
$26,767.31 (consecrating on Oct. 4, 1803) Philip Hooker, ar- 
chitect. May 7. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer marries (a second time) Cornelia 
Paterson, daughter of Judge William Paterson of New Jersey, 

May. 

Bass weighing 55 lbs. caught opposite the city, June 9. 

Common Council ordains that no bells shall be rung or toll during 
funerals for a longer time than 20 minutes under $25 penalty, 

June. 

St. Peter's church, its first edifice (erected in 1715) standing in the 
centre of State street opposite Barrack (Chapel) street, taken 
down, the work starting, July i. 

Adam Todd, sexton of St. Peter's church is paid $17.50 for " raising, 
removing and interring the remains of 35 persons from the in- 
terior of the old Church in State street," which he inters in the 
basement or foundation of the new edifice being built, and 
among them those of Lord Howe, who fell at Trout Brook, in 



396 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1802-1803. 

the campaign against the French at Ticoiuleroga on July (>. 1758, 
as shown by church records, Ji^^ly- 

Ground set apart at State i^nd Willett streets for powder-house. 

Albany & Schenectady Turnpike Co., makes contract for clearing- 
road 14 miles long, erecting fences 58 feet apart, arch 42 feet 
broad with 8-foot ditches on both sides, in depression or ele- 
vation not to exceed more than 4 degrees from the horizontal 
at any place, at cost of $26,000. 

Charter election. Common Council: Sebastian Yisscher, Georg-^ 
Merchant. I. John Cuyler, Douw Fonda, II. John Jauncey, 
Harmanus P. Schuyler, III. Abraham Bloodgood, Gerrit Bo- 
gart, IV. Election, Sept. 28; sworn in, Oct. 12. 

Rev. Frederick Beasley of Elizabeth Town, N. J., accepts a call to 
come to St. Peter's Church, Nov. 15. 

Johannes Jacobse Beeckman, the 29th Mayor of Albany and born 
here on Aug. 8, 1733, dies, Dec. 17. 



1803. 



Albany Aledical Society gives notice that its members will inoculate 
free the poor for the kine-pock, January. 

Abraham G. Lansing appointed state treasurer, Feb. 8. 

Comedians styled the Old American Co., entertain at Thespian 
Hotel on east side of No. Pearl street, near Patroon st. (Clin- 
ton ave.) 

Guilderland (named from Guilderlandt, Holland) formed from 
Watervliet, Feb. 26. 

Legislative committee reports in favor of erecting a capitol of sonie 
pretensions adequate to the importance of the state, March 7. 

New York State fiank chartered, capital $500,000, and John Tayler 
elected president on organization of board, John W. Yates, 
cashier, March 25. 

Customs-house established here, William Seymour deputy. 

Vessels quarantined south of city because of yellow fever. May 19. 

St. Peter's church, while building (its 2nd edifice) being pressed for 
funds, sells three lots between the church and the jail fence 
to the west, on State street, June. 

Gen. Philip Schuyler makes his will (he dies at Albany Nov. 18, 
1804) leaving 6,607 acres of land in seven different land com- 
panies, appraised at $52,445 ; executors are his two sons Philip 
Jeremiah and Rensselaer, sons-in-law John Barker Church, 
Alexander Hamilton and Stephen Van Rensselaer, June 20. 

Water street changed from River street. 




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No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 397 

1803. 

Resolved at General Assembly of Presbyterian Church of the United 
States that the Presbyteries of iVlbany, Oneida and Columbia 
be constituted to form a synod to be known as Synod of Albany, 
to hold first meeting- at this city, August. 

Rev. John B. Johnson, fonner pastor of the North Dutch Reformed 
Church, dies of consumption at Newtown, L. I., aged 33, 

Aug. 7. 

Rev. Frederick Beasley assumes duties as rector of St. Peter's, 
though not installed, holding services in the Dutch churches, 

August. 

New York State Bank (the 2nd bank chartered in Albany) com- 
mences business (not yet in its own building) with a capital of 
$460,000 ; John W. Yates, cashier ; hours 9 to 12 and 2 to 4 p. m. 

Sept. 7. 

Consecration of the second edifice of St. Peter's Church, erected at 
the northwest corner of State and Lodge streets ( its first edifice 
having been built in 171 5 in centre of State street opposite 
Barrack or Chapel street) this one being of stone with a tall 
tower terminating in a spire over the entrance, Philip Hooker 
the architect, and costing $26,767,131, by Bishop Benjamin 
Moore, followed by an appropriate discourse by Rev. J. H. 
Hobart of New York city, the Prot. Episcopal Church in the 
State of New York opening its convention there the same day, 

Oct. 4. 

Rev. Frederick Beasley, from Elizabeth Town, N. J., instituted 
rector of St. Peter's Church, Oct. 5. 

St. Andrew's Society holds its first meeting and adopts a constitu- 
tion, resolving to celebrate on (Nov. 30th) the nativity of its 
patron saint, Oct. 10. 

Charter election. Common Council : George Merchant, Sebastian 
Visscher, I. Sybrant Bleecker, Peter E. Elmendorf, II. Rich- 
ard S. Treat, Harmanus P. Schuyler, III. Gerrit Bogart, 
Abraham TenEyck, IV. Election, Sept. 27; sworn in, Oct. 11. 

The Gazette prints : " Those who wish to buy one of the most 
valuable negro wenches, one free from ever having had a hus- 
band or child, and one not in the least used to ' black ' com- 
pany, and free from every vice of any moment; will please to 
inquire of the editors of this paper, from whom they may know 
the price, and the present owner." Oct. 20. 

Daniel Steele advertises a circulating library of 400 books, Oct. 25. 

Burns Society holds its first election, choosing John Stephenson its 
president, George Ramsey, vice-president, Nov. 10. 

River closes to navigation, official record, Dec. 13. 



398 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 



1804. 



1804. 

The Capitol, City Hall and Court House, as well as the County 
Building, at this time being all in the one old building, three 
stories high, five windows wide, of brick, surmounted by a 
cupola containing an alarm-bell, at the northeast corner of So. 
Market street (Broadway) and Hudson street (avenue), a 
movement is inaugurated to erect a suitable building at the 
head of State street, and abandon this ancient edifice, for 
although hallowed by the most stirring events of the Nation 
it was also the scene of trials and executions, while before it 
had been the whipping-post, Jan. i, 

Erie canal proposed by Elkanah Watson in letter to Gen. Peleg 
Wads worth. 

Society for Promotion of Christian Arts incorporated. 

John Woodworth of Albany appointed State attorney-general, 

Feb. 3. 

David Banks establishes Banks & Co., law books. 

New York State Bank begins business in its own building on the 
north side of State street, next door west of the corner of Middle 
Lane, (James street) Philip Hooker, architect; John Tayler, 
president, March lo. 

Dr. Nott preaches sermon in Presbyterian Church and nets %2,2y 
for the Humane Society, ]\Iarch 18. 

Legislature charters Albany & Bethlehem Turnpike Co. 

Construction of a Capitol building at the head of State street author- 
ized, creating as commissioners to execute the same, Philip S. 
\'an Rensselaer, the Mayor; John Tayler, president of the 
N. Y. State Bank ; Simeon DeWitt. surveyor-general, Nicholas 
N. Ouackenbush and Daniel Hale, by Act passed April 6. 

River open to navigation, official record, April 6. 

Colonic incorporated as a village in Watervliet, xA.pril 9, 

State St., So. Pearl st. and Washington ave. ordered paved. 

Morgan Lewis, elected in April, becomes Governor, July i. 

Alexander Hamilton, who as an attorney had cases frequently in 
Albany, and who married Elizabeth, second daughter of Gen. 
Philip Schuyler at the Schuyler Mansion at the head of the 
street of that name, in 1780 (b. on the island of Nevis, West 
Indies; Jan. 11, 1757; entered the Continental service as captain 
of artillery in 1776; on Washington's stafif 1777-81; member 
of Continental Congress 1782-83; of the Constitutional Con- 




SOLDIERS MONUMENT. 




MAJOR-GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER. 



GENERAL SCHUYLER'S GRAVE. 
Maj.-Gen. Philip Schuyler died at Albany on Nov. i8, 1804, and thia 
granite shaft, 36 ft. high, was erected over his grave in the Rural Cemetery m 
1871 . The • ' Soldiers' Monument' ' erected in a plat devoted to Civil War soldiers. 



No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER \'AX RENSSELAER. 399 

1804. 

vention 1787; New York ratifying Convention, 1788; first sec- 
retary of U. S. Treasury 1789-95 ; commander-in-chief of the 
U. S. Army 1799) engages in duel with Aaron Burr, who had 
a law ofifice at one time on Norton street, Albany, and is shot 
on the first fire, at Weehawken, N. J., July 11. 

Alexander Hamilton dies at New York city as result of wound 
received the previous day at Weehawken, July 12. 

Teunis Van Vechten presides at a meeting of law students, which 
resolves that the members wear crape upon left arm for six 
weeks in respect of the memory of late Alexander Hamilton, 

J"ly 13- 

Stage line to New York inaugurated that makes journey in three 

days, stopping at night at Rhinebeck and Peekskill, fare $8, 

July 15- 

Rev. Eliphalet Nott delivers discourse on life of Alexander Hamilton 
at the No. Dutch Church, which was later printed, July 29. 

Rev. Eliphalet Nott, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, elected 
president of Union College, to succeed Dr. Marcy, Aug. 21. 

Albany Bethlehem Turnpike Co. directors meet for organization 
at City Tavern and elect F. NicoU president, Oct. 2. 

Cost of lighting the city for year ending this day, 1,652 gallons of 
oil, $1,739.21; night-watch, $1,008.44; wood and candles, $50; 
lighting lamps, $390.68; 8 lbs. of wick. $4.98; total, $3,193.32, 

Oct. 8. 

Charter election, Common Council : Charles R. Webster, William 
Fryer, L Sybrant Bleecker. John Cuyler, H. Harmanus P. 
Schuyler, Richard S. Treat, HI. Abraham Ten Eyck. Gerrit 
Bogart, IV. Election, Sept. 26 ; sworn in, Oct. 9. 

Legislature convenes, electing Solomon Southwick, Albany, clerk, 

Nov. 6. 

Death of Maj.-Gen. Philip Schuyler who was born in this city at 
the southeast corner of State and Pearl streets, on Nov. 11, 
1733, the 5th son of Johannes Schuyler, Jr., and Cornelia Van 
Cortlandt ; captain in the Colonial wars, 1755; member of Pro- 
vincial Assembly, 1768-74; delegate to Continental Congress, 
1775; maj. -general, commanding the Army of Northern De- 
partment, 1775; member of the State Senate, 1780-90; Com- 
missioner of Indian Affairs, 1775-97; surveyor-general, 1782- 
88 ; president of Northern Inland Lock Navigation Co. and of 
Western Inland Lock Navigation Co., 1792; first U. S. Senator 
from New York, 1790-92, re-elected, 1792-97, greatly mourned 
bv city, ' Nov. 18. 



400 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1804-1805. 

Military funeral of Maj.-Gen. Philip Schuyler, with burial in family 
vault of Hon. Abraham Ten Broeck (many years later body 
removed to Rural cemetery), Nov. 21. 

City officials and a multitude of citizens attend the opening of the 
Union Bridge across the Hudson at Waterford, 800 feet long 
and 33 feet above the water, cannon firing, parade and banquet, 

December, 



1805. 



River first closed to navigation since spring of 1894, Jan. 9. 

Albany & Delaware Turnpike Co. chartered, January. 

Name of Bone lane changed to Division street. 

South ferry conducted this year for city's profit. 

Cow lane changed to Liberty street. 

Rev. John Melancthon Bradford installed at Middle or 2nd Dutch 
Church, Aug. 11. 

Nail street changed to Lutheran, being near the church of that 
denomination, (later to be known as Howard street). 

Samuel Hill, of St. Peter's Church vestry, reports as treasurer of 
the building fund for the second edifice that had been conse- 
crated on Oct. 4, 1803, that the total receipts had been $26,816 
and expended for construction in all its parts, $25,767.31, 

Aug. 22. 

Barrack street, formerly Berg, or Hill street, changed to Chapel. 

Common Council prohibits vessels sailing further north than Van 
Rensselaer island because of yellow fever in New York city, 

Sept. 14. 

Collection for Humane Society at Middle Dutch Church nets $114, 

September. 

Charter election. Common Council: William Fryer, George Mer- 
chant, L Derick Van Schelluyne, Douw Fonda, IL Stewart 
Dean, Theodorus V. W. Graham, HL Gerrit Bogart, Abra- 
ham Ten Eyck, IV. Election, Sept. 24; sworn in, Oct. 8. 

The name Hamilton street given to Kilby street. 

The expense for the year to light the city and provide a night-watch 
to announce the safety of the city at intervals until morning, 
amounts to $5,454.36, Oct. i. 

River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. ii. 




SOUTH DUTCH CHURCH. 



" .^Ld e • " T'' '""1"'''°" ""^^'' ''''' ^^''-" -^ -- styled 
So Pead °" '°"'^ "^' °^ ^^^^'^'•' ^"''^-^>' Green and 

d d catd F.h « "'" ''■ "^'^ = P'^'''P ««°'-'-- Architect ; 

Sw , A?.^' '^" • ^^^"doned j88i for newedifice n. e. cor 

bwan and Madison ave. 



No. 22. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 



401 



1806 



1806. 



Cemetery established at State and Knox streets (later the site of 
Washington Park), January. 

Albany County Medical Society, (oldest in New York state in 1905), 
established by leading medical men, January. 

Schuyler Mansion, at head of street of that name, owned by Gen. 
Philip Schuyler who died Nov. 18, 1804, offered for sale, with 
the four acres environing, Jan. 30. 

Troy & Schenectady Turnpike Co. incorporated. 

Common Council passes law to prevent forestalling, fixing a penalty 
of $5 to purchase any kind of poultry to sell again, Feb. 3. 

Albany Mechanics' Society elects Chas. R. Webster president, 

Feb. 4. 

River open to navigation, official record, Feb. 20. 

Archibald McTntyre appointed state comptroller, March 26. 

Capitol corner stone laid s. e. corner of State and Park Place, by 
Mayor Philip S. Van Rensselaer, acting as a Masonic master 
of ceremonies, in the presence of state and city ofificials, April 23. 

Second, or Middle Dutch Church corner-stone, south side of Beaver 
between So. Pearl and Green streets, extending through to 
Hudson ave., laid by Rev. John Melancthon Bradford, bearing a 
resemblance to St. Paul's in New York city, April 30. 

Bank of Albany elects Philip S. Van Rensselaer its (3rd) president, 

May 14. 

Elisha W. Skinner admitted into partnership by Charles R. and 
George Webster as publishers of the Gazette, and booksellers, 

May 19. 

Goldsborough Banyar, Jr., dies in New York, June 6. 

Albany and Montreal turnpike along west side of Lake George laid 
out by surveyors as far as the 112-mile mark, Plattsburg, with 
22 miles more of their road to complete, Aug. i. 

Reformed Protestant Dutch Church standing in the middle of State 
street a little west of the Broadway crossing, removed. 

Grounds embraced by Madison avenue. Knox, State and Willett 
streets, set apart and dedicated as Middle Public Square, 

Oct. 6. 

Charter election, Common Council : George Merchant, Sebastian 
Visscher, I. Douw Fonda, Derick Van Schelluyne, II. Har- 
manus P. Schuyler, Jacob Ten Eyck, III. Matthew Trottei, 
John Bogart, IV. Election, Sept. 30 ; sworn in, Oct. 14. 



402 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1807. 



1807. 

Thermometer 20 degTees below zero, unofficial, Feb. 9. 

St. Patrick's Society of Albany incorporated. 

River open to navigation, April 8. 

Daniel D. Tompkins, elected in April, becomes Governor, July i. 

New York state called upon by the president to furnish 12,000 to 
prevent British aggression, and John Van Ness Yates tenders 
immediate service of his company of Light Infantry, July. 

The Albany volunteers of Capt. Gerrit Bogart also tender their 
services to the president, July. 

South ferry scow capsizes and 33 drown. 

First navigation by a steamboat, Robert Fulton making a successful 
trip aboard the Clermont from New York to Albany. He and 
Chancellor Robert R. Livingston of Clermont, on the east bank 
of the Hudson, had met in Paris in 1806, where Fulton was 
experimenting, and as he had also been working on a similar 
project, they became interested in perfecting the one invention, 
and the outcome was this vessel made on their return at the 
shipyard of Charles Brown on the East river, where it was 
launched in the spring and moved to the Jersey shore for com- 
pletion. Her hull, 100 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 7 feet deep 
had been made by David Brome of New York, the engine by 
Watt «Sr Bolton of England. Upon fitting her engine the people 
began to ridicule his hopes, and curiosity was raised to a high 
pitch when the day for its trial arrived, as advertised. The 
wharves and house-tops swarmed with people, many warning 
friends not to dare go aboard. At 6 130 a. m. she was ready 
to start. There were 24 passengers and the 12 berths were 
taken. The fare was $7. Thick clouds of black smoke issued 
from the tall chimney. There was a little delay due to machin- 
ery requiring adjustment, and on a passenger expressing doubt 
of a successful result, Fulton replied : " Gentlemen, you need 
not be uneasy; you shall be in Albany before 12 o'clock to-mor- 
row." When everything was ready she made a circle three 
times, then steadily headed up the river, while tens of thousands 
cheered vociferously, Fulton all this time standing erect upon 
the deck, his eyes flashing as though the magic wand had been 
waved over his creation. Gerrit H. Van Wagenen agreed to 
keep account of the time and John Q. Wilson, (afterwards an 
Albany banker) wrote it in the log. This paper was drawn 
up from that and given to The Albany Register for publication : 




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No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 4O3 



1807. 



" On Friday morning at i8 minutes before 7 o'clock, the North 
River steam boat left New York; landed one passenger at 
Tarrytown (25 miles), and arrived at Newburgh, (63 miles) at 
4 o'clock in the afternoon ; landed one passenger there, and 
arrived at Clermont (100 miles), where two passengers, one 
of whom was Mr. Fulton^ were landed at 15 minutes before 
2 o'clock in the morning ; and arrived at Albany at 2J minutes 
past II o'clock, making the whole time twenty-eight hours and 
forty-five minutes; distance 150 miles. * "*' * Selah Strong, 
G. H. Van Wagenen, Thomas Wallace, John Q. Wilson, John 
P. Anthony, Dennis H. Doyle, George Wetmore, William S. 
Hicks, J. Bowman, J. Crane, James Braiden, Stephen N. Rowan, 

Sept. 4. 

At 11:27 a. m. the Clermont, the first steamboat ever to land 
at Albany, ties up at the wharf at the foot of Lydius street 
(Madison ave.) much to the excitement of the inhabitants who 
had been on the lookout. On the way a farmer had hastened 
out to the steamboat in his skiff and having tied to her, wanted 
to know from Fulton how a mill could grind itself upstream 
as this was doing and insisted on being shown the millstones. 
It was also told that at West Point as the vessel steamed past 
the whole garrison came out and cheered, and the crowds at 
Newburgh, enthusiastically waving hats and cloths, seemed as 
though all Orange county had flocked thither to see the wonder- 
ful craft, Sept. 5. 

Townsend Furnace & Machine shop established on the west side of 
Eagle near Jay street, by Isaiah and John Townsend. 

The Clermont leaves for New York with 60 passengers, fast becom- 
ing popular as a mode of rapid travel (28 hours to New York) 
and people losing their fear of trusting themselves on a craft 
of unheard of principle, considered foolhardy by so many 
scoffers, Sept. 30. 

The Clermont runs afoul of a small sloop and loses one paddle- 
wheel, following which accident 18 miles above New York, she 
proceeds with only one wheel and against a wind so strong as 
to cause the small boat to plunge considerably, Oct. 3. 

Charter election. Common Council : George Merchant, Sebastian 
Visscher, I. Derick Van Schelluyne, John Cuyler, II. Har- 
manus P. Schuyler, John Brinckerhoff, III. John Bogart, 
Matthew Trotter, IV. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 13. 

The steamboat advertised to afford dressing-rooms for women, there 
being no other steamboat in existence it was not thought neces- 
sary to mention the name when speaking or writing of the 
Clermont, October. 



404 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1807-1808. 

The Clermont drawing crowds on each trip, this day starting from 

Albany with 100 passengers, Nov. 6. 

Bridge over Mohawk river below the falls completed, Nov. 25, 

River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 9. 



1808. 



Rev. Dr. William Linn, pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church, aged 
56, dies, Jan. 8. 

Obadiah Van Benthuysen establishes a large printing house on lower 
Broadway (known in 1906 as Charles Van Benthuysen's Sons). 

Joint resolution to make an accurate survey of a canal route between 
tide waters of the Hvidson and Lake Erie passes, February. 

Common Council elects John Cuyler City Comptroller, Feb. 9. 

River open to navigation, official record, March 10. 

Commissioners to erect a new Capitol and City hall combined, at 
head of State street in the western end of the park, report 
receipts: Tax levied on Albany, $3,000; tax on both city and 
county, $3,000; from the corporation of Albany, $10,000; from 
sale of former Capitol and City Hall on Broadway and Hudson 
avenue, $17,000; proceeds of lottery, $12,000; state to be reim- 
bursed by a lottery, $20,000 ; donation this winter from Corpora- 
tion of Albany, $4,000; total, $69,000, and requesting $25,000 
additional, to complete, which sum the state appropriates, 

March 11. 

Humane Society receives $371.32 as proceeds of Rev. Dr. Nott's 
sermon, March 13. 

Gerardus Lansing, a highly respected citizen, aged 84, dies, 

March 24. 

Simeon DeWitt's wife, Jane, aged 47, dies, April 10. 

Ground opposite the city, divided into lots and offered for sale, 

April 15. 

The Clermont arrives for her second season of river navigation, 
having been lengthened from 100 to 150 feet, and her breadth 
extended from 12 to 18 feet, with her name changed to North 
River, tonnage 165 tons, April 27. 

Col. Philip P. Schuyler, an efficacious officer of the Revolution, aged 
73, dies, June 3. 

The late Gen. Philip Schuyler's daughter, Mrs. Cornelia Lynch 
Morton, aged ^2, an estimable lady, dies at Philadelphia, July 5. 




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No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 



405 



1808-1809. 



John Barber, .state printer and pnblisher of the Albany Register, 
aged 50, dies of consumption, July 10. 

Mayor receives $400 for the city poor from Pepin & Breschard. 
circus performers, July 11. 

Common Council orders old hospital sold at auction, Sept. i. 

Death of Judge Ambrose Spencer's wife, Mary Clinton, age 36, 

Sept. 4. 

The North River, formerly the Clermont, makes her best record 
from New York, 27 hours, Oct. 2. 

Cost of lighting the city with oil for one year $3,560.44, and for 
the city watchman to call the hours and safety, $2,454.60, 

Oct. 10. 

Charter election. Common Council: Charles R. Webster, William 
Fryer, I. Derick Van Schelluyne, Douw Fonda, II. John 
Brinckerhoff, Richard S. Treat, III. Matthew Trotter, John 
Bogart, IV. Election, Sept. 27; sworn in, Oct. 11. 

/Dr. Wilhemus Mancius, the most respected physician of his day and 
who had practiced nearly fifty years here, aged 70, dies, Oct. 22. 

Death of Susan Robinson, wife of Isaiah Townsend, the prominent 
iron manufacturer, aged 26, C)ct. 29. 

The new Capitol recently erected in the southwest corner of the 
public park at the head of State street, completed at a cost of 
$34,200 to the city, $3,000 to Albany county, and $73,485.42 to 
the state, a total of $110,685.42, and used for first time at 
special sessions, the Mayor and Albany's Common Council oc- 
cupying n. e. corner of the second floor, Nov. i. 
Ralph Letton establishes a museum of curiosities next door to 
corner of Chapel and State streets, Nov. 2. 
Rev. James Burke, pastor of St. Mary's ( R. C.) Church, dies of 
consumption and is mourned as an energetic worker, Nov. 11. 
The first tigers ever in Albany, a male and female from Asia, 
exhibited at the Thespian Hotel hall on No. Pearl street, 

TDU- • Nov. 24. 

Philip Wendell, a citizen of prominence, aged 75, dies, Dec. 9. 



1809. 



At the former City Hall, which was also the Capitol, n. e. corner 
of Broadway and Hudson ave., vacated Nov. i. 1808, for the 
new building at the head of State st., J. Scudder exhibits a 
" grand panorama," j^,^ jp 



406 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1809. 

River closed to navigation since spring of last year, Jan. 19. 

Legislature grants permission to reporters to attend sessions and The 
Gazette first publishes proceedings, Jan. 21, 

Corporation of Schenectady enters a petition for division from 
Albany as a separate county, Jan. 25. 

Thermometer 12 below zero on west side of Pearl street, Feb. 12. 

Assembly votes with a majority of 8 in favor of partitioning ofif 
Schenectady county from Albany, Feb. 12. 

Dr. Peter Gansevoort, a prominent physician, aged 83, dies, 

March 14. 

Schenectady county created by Act of Legislature, March 7. 

Abraham Weaver, aged 100 years, dies, March 23, 

Bastejan T. Visscher, who had performed useful services during the 
Revolution, aged 82, dies. May 9. 

News that the embargo against Great Britain had been raised creates 
so much enthusiasm that the bells are rung nearly all day, 
addresses are delivered by Philip Van \'echten and John Lovett, 
the attorney, and a wonderful procession is quickly improvised, 

June 10. 

Name of Swallow changed to. Knox street, July 17. 

Henry Trowbridge first advertised a museum, which is believed the 
starting of the great Albany Museum, so prominently known 
all over the country for years, Sept. 18. 

Steamboat Car of Neptune, the second in America, put on ; 295 
tons, 175 feet long (25 ft. longer than the Clermont of 1807 
after she had been lengthened in 1808 from 100 to 150 feet 
and then known as the North River) 24 feet broad, or 6 feet 
broader than the North River ; 8 feet deep, 33 x 52 in. engine ; 
built by Charles Brown of New York, Sept. 28. 

Charter election, Common Council : Charles R. Webster, William 
Fryer, L Douw Fonda, Derick Van Schelluyne, IL John 
Brickerhofif, Llarmanus P. Schuyler, IIL Matthew Trotter, 
Thomas Gould, IV. Election, Sept. 26; sworn in, Oct. 10. 

Christopher A. Yates, prominent citizen, aged 71, dies, Nov. 28. 

Common Council ordains that as the bell had been removed from 
the discarded City Hall and Capitol on lower Broadway, which 
rang at noon and at 8 o'clock by ancient custom, the bell of the 
North Dutch Reformed Church be struck at those hours and 
that Barent Bogart be the ringer with salary of $40 yearly, 

Nov. 2^. 

River closed, official record Dec. 10. 

Hon. William Cooper, aged 55, of Cooperstown dies, and remains 
taken there for burial, Dec. 22. 




MRS. GRANT OF LAGGAN. 

Mrs. Anne Grant of Laggan, Scot., (b. Glasgow, Feb. 21, 
1755) came to Albany in 1758 with her mother, Mrs. Duncan 
Mac Vicar, and was a visitor of Margarita, wife of Col. Philip 
Schuyler (uncle of the General) at The Flatts, Watervliet, of 
whom she wrote in 1807 in " Memoirs of an American Lady," 
pub'd London, 1808. She returned to England in 1768, and 
died at Edinburgh, Nov. 7, 1838. 



No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 407 

1810. 



1810. 

]\Iiddle Public Square, bounded by Madison avenue, Knox, State and 
Willett streets, changed in name to Washington Square, 

January. 

Death of Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, who had been the 28th Mayor 
of Albany, born here on May 13, 1734, the son of Dirck Ten 
Broeck (the 21st Mayor) and Margarita Cuyler, and husband 
of Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, only sister of the Patroon, whom 
he married on Nov. i, 1763, while he was acting as guard- 
ian of the Patroon who had not reached his majority and 
for whom the last Manor House was built ; colonel of militia, 
Oct. 20, 1775; general, January, 1776; brigadier-general, 1776 
to March 26, 1781 ; member of Colonial Assembly, 1760-65; 
Member of Provincial Congress, April 20, 1775 ; president of 
state convention, 1776; state senator, 1780-83; justice of court 
of common pleas, 1781-1794; president of Bank of Albany, 
1792-98; delegate to Continental Congress at Philadelphia, May, 
1775, patriotic in war, energetic in city affairs, honest in his 
dealings, benevolent and advocate of his church's welfare, 

Jan. 19. 

Daniel Hale of Albany appointed state secretary 2nd time, Feb. 2. 

Abraham Van Vechten of Albany appointed state attorney-general, 

Feb. 2. 

Bank of Albany removes to n. e. corner State and Broadway, 

Feb. 3. 

Death of Hon. Abraham Cornells Cuyler, who had been the 26th 
Mayor of Albany, at Yorkfield, Canada ; born on April 11, 1742, 
the son of Hon. Cornells Cuyler, the 20th Mayor of Albany, 
and Catharina Schuyler, the daughter of Johannes Schuyler, the 
loth Mayor of Albany ; had been a colonel of militia, but desired 
the continuance of the British rule as for the century previous 
and by whom he had been appointed the Mayor, and he was the 
last to be the city's executive by Royal commission ; had resided 
after the Revolution on the site of the North Dutch Church 
on west side of No. Pearl street, Feb. 5. 

Abraham G. Lansing, of Albany, 2nd time appointed state-treasurer, 

Feb. 8. 

Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, late lieutenant-governor and a Revolu- 
tionary patriot, aged 69, dies, Feb. ig. 

Baptists of the city organize, Feb. 20. 



408 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 7,2. 

1810. 

Albany County Bible Society organizes. 

Edmond C. Genet's wife, Cornelia Tappan, tbe daughter of 
former Vice-President George Clinton, aged 35, dies at Green- 
bush, ]\Iarch 23. 

Legislature sanctions a lottery to raise $30,000 for deepening the 
river between Troy and Waterford, March. 

Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer's mother, Catherine, widow of Rev. 
Eilardus Westerlo, aged 65, dies, April 17. 

Steamboat North River, formerly the Clermont, makes record trip 
from New York in 19 hours. May 13. 

City police office located at corner of Montgomery and Steuben 
streets, holding sessions Tuesdays and Fridays, with Richard 
S. Treat as tfie judge. May. 

James Caldwell, wealthy merchant of this city lays corner-stone of 
the First Presbyterian meeting-house that he has given to 
Caldwell, Lake George, May 26. 

Pierre Briare, " late Pastry Cook to one of the Princes of the Royal 
Family of Bourbons and to the Viceroy of Alexico "" opens a 
place at No. 12 Green street, June. 

Mayor Van Rensselaer lays the corner-stone of the new jail at the 
s. e. corner of Eagle and Howard streets (later the Albany Hos- 
pital and after that the Humane Society's Building), the Com- 
mon Council also present, Ji-^ly 30- 

Leonard Gansevoort dies at his country-seat, Whitehall, west of 
Delaware avenue, Aug. 26. 

Keeper of the jail discloses on visitation of the county sherifif that 
there are none imprisoned for debt, which is remarked as most 
unusual for a city the size of Albany, Aug. 25. 

City Clerk William P. Beers dies, Sept. 13. 

Charter election, Common Council : Charles R. Webster, George 
Pearson, L Derick Van Schelluyne, James Gourlay, II. Rich- 
ard S. Treat, John Brickerhoff, HL Charles D. Locker, Eb- 
enezer Loote, IV. Election, Sept. 25 ; sworn in, Oct. 9. 

Bank of Albany elects Dudley Walsh its (4th) president, to suc- 
ceed Philip S. Van Rensselaer. 

Sum of $242 netted for the Humane Society by sermon preached at 
St. Peter's Church by Rev. Mr. Clowes, Dec. 15. 

River closes to navigation, official record. Dec. 20. 

Census of the year shows population of the city to be 10,762 ; of the 
state, 959,049; slaves 15,017; population of the county, 34,661. 

Dec. 31. 




ALBANY JAIL. 
The jail was first located in original City Hall on Broadway. 
Cornerstone of th.s bu.ldmg (s. e. cor. Eagle and Howard sts ) 
laid July 30. i8io by Mayor P. S. Van Rensselaer; a bell ordered 
Placed m cupola June lo, 1839: sold to City Hospital for $9,000, 
Mch. 19 1852; prisoners removed to Maiden Lane jail June 2, i8;i 
and to the Penitentiary Sept. i, 1904. J J e ^, iOo3, 



No. ^2. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAX RENSSELAER. 4O9 

1811. 



18 11. 

Baptists in Albany having come together as a body last year, 23 of 
them now seek a meeting-house, Jan. 23. 

At this time no house standing at site of Cohoes, January. 

John Tayler of this city becomes president of the state senate, on the 
death of Lieut. -Gov. John Broome, by election, Jan. 29. 

Col. Elisha Jenkins, of Hudson. N. Y., (the succeeding, 33rd, Mayor 
of Albany) appointed secretary of state, Feb. i. 

Albany Bible Society forming (the first in the United States estab- 
lished at Philadelphia about 1809) Rev. Samuel Blatchford 
addressing it at the North Dutch Reformed Church, Feb. 12. 

]\Iiddle or Second Dutch Reformed Church, on south side of Beaver 
street, being a direct continuation of the congregation of the 
first church in Albany, its fifth edifice, dedicated, Feb. 17. 

Mechanics & Farmers" Bank (3rd bank in city) incorporated, 

March 4. 

Albany Insurance Company organized, March 8. 

The third steamboat to ply the Hudson river, the Hope, 280 tons, 
launched, March 19. 

Albany Bible Society incorporated, April 8. 

Common Council prohibits Pinxter Day celebration because of too 
much boisterous rioting and drunkenness, reading : " No per- 
son shall erect any tent, booth or stall within the limits of this 
city, for the purpose of vending any spirituous liquors, beer, 
mead or cider, or any kind of meat, fish, cakes or fruit, on the 
days commonly called Pinxter; nor to collect in numbers for 
the purpose of gambling or dancing, or any other amusements, 
in any part of the city, or to march or parade, with or without 
any kind of music, under a penalty of ten dollars or confinement 
in jail." It had long been customary to gather the quantities of 
fragrant pinxter flowers growing on the hill at the head of .State 
street, and flourishing southward to the ravine, and especially 
among the negroes was it turned into a bacchanalian revel, 
Whitsun-Monday being the day, April 28. 

Stage line started running to Niagara Falls in 3 days, charging 
$20.50 to Canandaigua and from there to Buffalo 6 cts. a mile, 

May. 

A small boat named Trial, operated by machinery invented by Abra- 
ham Randal of Colonic, which had made experimental trips the 
previous fall, commences regular trips to Troy, twice dafly, 
2 sh., May 14. 



4IO PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1811-1812. 

John I. Bleecker, many years Indian interpreter, aged 80, dies, 

June 19. 

Steamboat Hope makes experimental trip in New York harbor, with 
guests, Capt. Bunker, June 22. 

Dr. Hunloke Woodruff, prominent physician, aged 57, dies, July '4. 

Steamboat Perseverance, Capt. Sherman, 280 tons, the fourth Hud- 
son river steamboat, commences running in conjunction with 
Hope, July. 

Reservoir erected behind a high stone wall. Eagle. Columbia and 
Steuben streets, opening into iron pipes and deriving supply 
from the Maezlandt kill. 

Steamboats North River (the Clermont reconstructed) and the 
Hope engage in a spirited race from Albany and when opposite 
Hudson the Hope rounding the marsh land collides with the 
other and older boat with a light draft that had proceeded 
through a shallow cut, July 27. 

Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, Solomon Southwick, president, opens 
on Court street (Broadway) on site of the future Post-Office, 
opposite the foot of broad State street, July 29. 

Steamboat Paragon, the fifth to ply on the Hudson, 331 tons, 173 
feet long, 27 feet broad, 9 feet deep, 32 x 48 in. engine, built 
by Chas. Brown of New York city, Capt. Wiswall, commences 
running, July. 

Elbert Wiliett, many years City Chamberlain, aged over 70, retires, 

Sept. 24., 

Charter election. Common Council : George Shepherd, Charles R. 
Webster, I. Isaac Hansen, Elisha Jenkins, II. John Brinck- 
erhoff, Teunis Van Vechten, III. Matthew Trotter, John 
McMillan, IV. Election, Sept. 24; sworn in, Oct. 8. 

River closes to navigation, official record, Dec. 21. 



1812. 



War of 1812 prevents project of a canal across the state, Januarv. 

Dr. William McClelland, who had been president of Albany County 
and the State Medical societies, and of St.- Andrew's society, 
aged 43, dies, Jan. 29. 

Wheat selling at $2 and $3 per bushel, February. 

George Clinton, New York State's first Governor, while vice-presi- 
dent, aged "^2, dies at Washington, D. C. (Gouverneur Morris 
delivering the oration), April 20. 

Abraham Schuyler, respected citizen, aged 76, dies. May 27. 




PENNY POSTMAN WINNE. 

Wm. B. Winne was a familiar figure liere delivering letters half a century 
before stamps were used, about 1795 and possibly until 1832. This " physiog- 
notrace " (silhouette) made by I. Wood, $1, Green and Beaver, 1812. (From 
the original at Albany Post-OfTice in ico6.) 



No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 4II 

1812 

Ezra Ames' portrait of late Vice-President Geo. Clinton hung in 
Philadelphia's Academy of Fine Arts and is greatly admired, 

May. 

Robert Barber, founder of the Albany Register, aged 42, dies, 

May 31. 

First election of directors of Mechanics & Farmers' Bank held at 
the Columbian hotel on Court street (Broadway) and very 
spirited because of the candidacy of two federalists, all the 
directors named in the incorporating law being democrats, 

June I. 

There being neither a canal nor a railroad across the state (or any 
railway in any country) interest is taken in a pamphlet with the 
title, " Documents tending to prove the superior advantage of 
Rail Ways and Steam Carriages over Canal Navigation, par- 
ticularly from Lake Erie to Hudson's River," June. 

Lancastarian School, to be erected on west side of Eagle street be- 
tween Jay and Lancaster streets, incorporated. 

Brigadier-General Peter Gansevoort, one of the most distinguished 
Revolutionary officers, aged 63, dies, July 2. 

Robert R. Livingston gives one share of the Albany & Troy Steam 
Boat of $500 value to Society for Relief of Indigent Women 
and Children, July 10. 

Rev. John Watkins, present at some of the most trying Revolution- 
ary scenes, a Christian patriot, aged 66, dies, Aug. 5. 

Steamboat Fire Fly commences running between here and Troy, 

Sept. 25. 

Leading the American troops to the attack on Queenstown Heights, 
Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer is shot four times, and while his 
forces carried the assault, a large portion of his militia refused 
to cross over to sustain the victory against the British, with the 
result he is driven from his position, Oct. 13. 

Charter election, Common Council: George Shepherd, George 
Pearson, L Isaac Hansen, Joseph Russell, Sr., II. John 
Brinckerhoff. Teunis Van Vechten, III. John Bogart, Thomas 
Gould, IV. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 13. 

From Greenbush to Niagara a military express line is established, 
men ready to be dispatched on horse and guaranteeing the de- 
livery of a message from one end of route to other in 44 hours, 

Oct. 15. 

Capt. R. C. Skinner, commander of the artillery in the Albany Vol- 
unteer regiment, recruits eight companies at Ladd's Coffee 
House, corner of Green and Beaver streets, Oct. 20. 



412 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1812-1813. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, who had resigned his commission of 
major-general following the Battle of Oueenstown, is met out- 
side the city by many citizens and escorted to his home, 

Oct. 31. 
Green Street theatre erected. 
Two new barracks in Greenbush, each 250 ft. long, blown down, 

Nov. 24. 
Companies of Captains Bulkley and Walker return from Staten 
Island, where they had been on duty for three months, Nov. 28. 
Alfred Billings Street, the Albany poet who was N. Y. State Libra- 
rian for 10 years and died at his home, n. e. cor. Washington 
ave. and Dove sts. on June 2, 1881, born at Poughkeepsie, 

Dec. 18. 
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 22. 



1813. 

Troy volunteer militia march into Albany with the British colors 
they had captured at St. Regis, passing up State street to the 
Capitol, where, in absence of the Governor, his aide. Colonel 
Lush, makes reply to the address of Major Young on delivering 
them, and they are placed in the Council Room, Jan. 5. 

Notice sent out that citizens interested in establishment of an Albany 
Academy should assemble at the Capitol on the 28th, as the 
corporation had offered a good site along the public square, 
whatever sum might be raised by sale of the lot and materials 
of the old jail (estimated at $12,000) and it remained necessary 
to raise $30,000 by public subscription, Jan. 18. 

Green Street theatre, John Bernard, manager, opened first, Jan. 18. 

Albany Argus established (as semi- weekly), Jan. 26. 

Parties interested in erecting Albany Academy meet in Capitol and 
Archibald Mclntyre is chosen chairman of a committee of 14 
men to devise plans for its erection, Jan. 28. 

Charles Z. Piatt, of this city, appointed state treasurer, Feb. 10. 

Watervliet Arsenal established on west side of Troy Road. 

Abraham Van Vechten appointed state attorney-general 2nd time, 

Feb. 13. 

Chancellor Robert R. Livingston dies at his country-seat, Clermont, 
near Hudson, N. Y., Feb. 26. 

Albany Boys' Academy incorporated, charter signed and trustees ap- 
pointed, March 4. 



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GANSEVOORT REVOLUTIONARY FLAG. 

Gen. Peter Gansevoort of Albany dauntlessly sustained the siege of Fort 
Stanwix (Rome, N. Y.), in August, 1777. This flag of his was carried at 
the head of the Third N. Y. Regiment at the surrender of CornwalHs, York- 
town, Va., Oct. 19, 1781. Later, it was used as the basis for the arms of the 
State of New York. He died July 2, 1812. (Photographed by John E. Boos.) 



No. 2i~- PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 4I3 

1813. 

Mechanics & Farmers' Bank elects Isaac Hntton its (2nd) pres't. 

River open to navigation, official record, March 12. 

Albany Boys' Academy trustees organize; Gen. Stephen Van Rens- 
selaer, president, ' March 23. 

The Albany Register advocating a six million dollar bank, a large 
part of its constituency urges a newspaper to advance its ideas, 
and Samuel R. Brown comes from Ballston, where he pub- 
lished the Saratoga Republican, and starts the Albany Republi- 
can, April II. 

Cornelius Van Schelluyne, foremost citizen, aged 76, dies, April 16. 

Common Council proposes opening Spring street, to run back of the 
Capitol about half a mile, April. 

Methodists erect their second edifice on Division st. 

James Goold establishes a carriage works at foot of ]Maiden Lane, 
(where some 20 years later he made coaches to act as cars on 
the first railroad operated by steam in America, the Mohawk & 
Hudson). 

Col. John Mills shot while leading an attack on the British army at 
Sacketts Harbor at the head of the Albany Republican Regi- 
ment (and his remains were first interred in Capitol Park, later 
removed to the Rural cemetery). May 29. 

Steamboat Lady Richmond, commonly called Richmond, the sixth 
steamboat to ply the Hudson between Albany and New York, 
constructed by Charles Brown of New York city, 370 tons, 154 
feet long, 28 feet broad, 9 feet deep, 20 x 45 in. engine. 

Albany Directory issued, first of its kind at Albany, compiled by 
Joseph Fry, a printer and at this time city ganger, collected and 
alphabetically arranged by him " at the request of the Common 
Council," a work of 60 pages, containing 1,638 names, the 
population at the time supposedly about 11,000, the type set at 
three establishments to issue on time, but bearing imprint of 
Websters & Skinners ; for sale at 50 cents, June 10. 

Colonel Cutting's handsome corps of 400 men marches from Green- 
bush July I St, and having spent the night encamped west of the 
Capitol, are first treated by the citizens and then depart for the 
western frontier, July 2. 

Two hundred British soldiers pass through to camp at Greenbush, 

Aug. 15. 

Common Council meets on hearing the news of Commodore Oliver 
Hazard Perry's glorious victory near Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie, 
when on Sept. loth his fleet of 9 vessels, 54 guns, 490 men, van- 
quished the British fleet of 6 vessels, 63 guns, 502 men, under 



414 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 



1813. 



Barclay, and resolves that when he passes through Albany the 
city shall present him with an elegent sword, that the bells ring 
for one hour beginning at noon, that a salute be fired and that 
the freedom of the city be presented to him, Sept. 17. 

Sloops running at this time to New York number 206, Oct. i. 

Second Presbyterian Church, on west side of Chapel street and run- 
ning through to Lodge street, a corner-stone laid by Rev. Dr. 
Neill, in the presence of the first board of trustees, James Kane, 
John L. Winne, Nathaniel Davis, Joseph Russell and Roderick 
Sedgwick. Oct. ii. 

Charter election. Common Council : James Warren, George Pear- 
son, I. John Bleecker, Joseph Russell, Sr., II. Tennis Van 
Vechten, John C. Cuyler, III. John Van Zandt, Aaron Hand, 
IV. Election, Sept. 28; sworn in, Oct. 12. 

Notice given by Gilbert Stewart, Richard Lush and James Warren 
that at next session of the Legislature they intend to incorporate 
a bank by the name of the Merchants, Oct. 18. 

Notice given of application to the Legislature to charter the Albany 
Commercial Bank with a capital of $1,250,000, by John Bogart. 
George Webster, E. F. Backus, Joseph H. Webb and Vinal 
Luce, Oct. 20. 

John Cook conducting a reading-room and circulating library, 
charging $6 to the former and $10 to join both, Oct. 28. 

Citizens and all the local military commands go to Schenectady to 
meet Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, styled the " Hero of 
Lake Erie " by reason of his complete victory there over the 
British fleet on Sept. loth. who was on his way to his native 
city. South Kingston. R. I. (b. Aug. 23. 1785) being but 28 
years old at the time. He is met at Douw's Tavern on the turn- 
pike, and after partaking of refreshments there the procession 
proceeds to the Capitol, where he is presented with an elegant 
sword and the freedom of the city encased in a gold box, after 
which ceremony the procession escorts him to the Eagle Tavern, 
n. e. corner of Broadway and Hamilton street, where the Mayor 
and Recorder escort him to a specially prepared suite of rooms. 
At night he attends a grand ball and notes the illuminated trans- 
parency over his hotel, " We have met the enemy and they are 
ours," Nov. 8. 

Elaborate entertainment given to Commodore Perry at the Eagle 
Tavern. Nov. 9. 

Commodore Perry leaves for his home in Rhode Island, Nov. 11. 

Common Council resolution passed offering $1,000 to anyone dis- 
covering a strata of coal of not less than 4 feet within five miles 
of the navigable waters of the Hudson river, Dec. 6. 




MECHANICS AND FARMERS' BANK. 
This third bank in the city was chartered March 4, 181 1 and entered its 
building in 1814. In 1875 it was removed to make a site for the Federal Buildine- 
or Post-Office. ^ 



No. 2i2- PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 415 



1813-1814. 



Common Council attempts to make the assize of bread correspond 
with $9 per barrel, being a loaf of 2 lbs. 10 oz. for i shilling, and 
the bakers issue a manifesto declaring their intention to starve 
the inhabitants into better terms, Dec. 13. 

River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 14. 

Methodist Episcopal meeting-house in Division st. dedicated, 

Dec. 19. 



1814. 



Agitation of project to build a bridge across the Hudson, but meets 
with opposition from Troy, fearing injury to sloop traffic. 

Jan. II. 

Common Council appropriates $1,000 for relief of people in want on 
the western frontier following the war that had hurt their farm- 
ing industries, Jan. 17. 

Ihnnane Society benefited by $474 received as proceeds of 'sermon 
delivered by Rev. Dr. Nott at North Dutch Church, March 6. 

Assembly committee reports adversely on a bridge across river ; but 
the House disagrees with report and grants petitioners' right to 
introduce a bill incorporating Hudson River Bridge Co., 
. March 11. 

Projectors of Albany Female Academy purchase a lot on Montgom- 
ery street, Ebenezer Foot leading the movement. May i. 

Steamboat Fulton, the seventh steamboat to ply the river to New 
York, makes her first departure from this city, although origi- 
nally intended to run to New Haven ; but British cruisers ren- 
dered navigation on the sound unsafe ; 2,27 tons. Capt. Bunker, 

Mav 9. 

Albany Female Academy opened under Horace Goodrich on Mont- 
gomery street, May 21. 

Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, its ist edifice, erected north of the site 
of the Post-Office building there in 1906 and which was to be 
removed some 70 years later to allow a roadway for mailcarts. 

Bank of Albany elects John Van Schaick its (5th) president to suc- 
ceed Dudley Walsh, 

News of the Battle of Lundy's Lane received, July 25. 

Citizens meet at the Capitol and recommend suspension of specie 
payments following a step taken bv New York and Philadelphia 
^^"^s. Sept 3_ 

Charter election. Common Council: James Warren, Kilian Van 
Rensselaer, I. Isaac Hunter, Chauncey Humphrey, II. Teunis 



4l6 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1814-1815. 

Van Vechten, John Brinckerhoff, III. Gerrit Bogart, Aaron 

Hann, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, Peter Dox, V. Election, Sept 27; 

sworn in, Oct. 11, 

Geo. W. Mancius removed as postmaster after a long term and Peter 

P. Dox appointed. 
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 2. 



1815. 



Legislature passes law dividing towns of Rensselaer and Coeymans 
to form the town of Westerlo, March 16. 

Census shows 4,860 free white males, 5,063 females, 100 slaves, 
total 10,023 in the city and 33,945 in the county. 

Colonie annexed to city of Albany as its fifth ward, March. 

Greenbush incorporated as a village, April 14. 

Washington avenue still known as Lion street. 

Building of the Albany Boys' Academy progressing on the park so 
far as digging of foundations. May i. 

There being two Dutch churches in the city, holding much property 
in common, the members not agreeing on division of income 
derived therefrom, reach a determination to allow the North 
Dutch Church erected in 1797 on west side of No. Pearl street 
to continue the ancient title as " First," and continue under Rev. 
John Melancthon Bradford, the one on south side of Beaver 
street, midway between So. Pearl and Green streets, running 
through to Hudson avenue, to be known as the Second Re- 
formed Protestant Dutch Church, and continue under pastorate 
of Rev. Dr. John DeWitt, May. 

Common Council appropriates 50 acres of land at the south bounds 
of the city, half a mile west of the river, for an alms-house and 
farming purposes for support thereof, June. 

Albany Boys' Academy corner-stone laid by Mayor Philip S. Van 
Rensselaer, with great ceremony before a vast concourse, Seth 
Geer, architect, July 29. 

James Ladd, keeper of the celebrated " Coffee House " on Green 
street, dies, Aug. 2. 

Movement to have No. Pearl street opened to north boundary, 

Aug. II. 

Albany Boys' Academy elects Benj. Allen, LL. D., ist principal, 

August. 




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No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 417 

1815-1816. 

Second Presbyterian Church, on west side of Chapel street, dedi- 
cated by Rev. Dr. Neill, having cost $75,000, Sept. 3. 

Albany Boys' Academy opens in Mr. Van Rensselaer's building at 
the s. e. corner of State and Lodge streets, Sept. 11. 

Albany Daily Advertiser, first daily in city, appears, Sept. 25. 

Charter election. Common Council : Killian Van Rensselaer, James 
Warren, I. Chauncey Humphrey, Isaac Hansen, H. Teunis 
Van Vechten, Richard S. Treat, HI. Benjamin Knower, 
Charles D. Cooper, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, John A. Goeway, \ . 
Election, Sept. 26; sworn in, Oct. 10. 

Goldsborough Banyar, who came when young from England to this 
city and was deputy-secretary of the province of New York 
previous to the Revolution, aged 91, dies, Nov. 4. 

Death of Balthazar Lydius, suddenly, an eccentric character and 
last of his ancient line in city, aged yy, Nov. 17. 

Death of Postmaster Peter P. Dox, late county sherifif, Nov. 21. 

River closes to navigation, official record, Dec. 16. 

Common Council, in view of past experiences, finds it necessary to 
pass an ordinance to double watch the streets during Christmas 
and New Year's celebration, enforcing the law prohibiting firing 
of guns days or nights of Dec. 24th, 2'5th and 26th or from 
Dec. 31st to Jan. 2nd, December. 



1816. 



Gerrit L. Dox made postmaster of Albany to succeed his brother, 
Peter P., who died on Nov. 21st last, January. 

Specie as low as G^'c at Albany, and brokers decline at price, 

January. 

Thermometer 14 degrees below zero, Jan. 16. 

Sudden thaw breaks the ice between here and Troy, and it carries 
down a sloop laden with wheat, which sinks opposite the city, 

Jan. 18. 

Expense of conducting the Lancaster school for past year, including 
rent because the building on west side of Eagle street is un- 
finished, salaries, heating, etc., $1,204.53, ^^^ 4°° scholars, W. 
A. Tweed Dale, prin., Feb. i. 

At a meeting held in Tontine Cofifee House a number of the most 
prominent citizens divide into committees to visit inhabitants of 
each ward and secure signatures to a petition to the Legislature 
urging the construction of a canal from the Hudson to Lake 
Erie, Feb. 7. 



4l8 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1816-1819. 

Legislature passes bill erecting the village of Troy into a city, with 
Albert Paulding its first ]\layor and William L. Messey its first 
Recorder, April 9. 

Legislature provides for a school here for colored children, April 10. 

Fire starts at the " commons " in the north end and extends to Guil- 
derland and Watervliet, doing damage untold to crops, April 28. 

Col. Rensselaer Westerlo elected to Congress by a majority of 800 
over Col. Elisha Jenkins, May 2. 

Dudley Walsh, late president of Bank of Albany, who came here 
from a foreign land and cre?.ted his own fortune until he was 
a prime and important mover in nearly every great enterprise 
undertaken, aged 55, dies, May 24. 

John Godfrey Saxe, prominent American poet, who w^as to spend 
most of his life in this city, born at Highgate, Vt., June 2. 

Memorial presented to the Common Council by Dr. William Bay, 
suggesting the division of the city into five districts regarding 
relief of the poor, giving a physician to each, as: ist, William 
Bay ; 2nd, James Low ; 3rd, Charles D. Townsend ; 4th, Peter 
Wendell; 5th (Aims-House), Piatt Williams, with salary of 
$200 each, acted on as outlined above, July i. 

Independence Day celebrated, oration by Rev. Dr. John DeWitt, Lt.- 
Col. John O. Cole reader, July 4. 

Council of Appointment now being Democratic, it removes Mayor 
Philip S. Van Rensselaer, who had been decidedly popular for 
17 years as the city's executive, and Col. Elisha Jenkins, who 
was born at Hudson and resided there until he came to Albany 
in 1801 as a merchant, having served as state comptroller, 
1801-6; as secretary of state, 1806-9 and was quartermaster- 
general of the Northern Department during War of 181 2, is 
appointed to assume the office of Mayor, July- 

• • * 

(See No. S3-) 

(Continued from No. 33.) 
1819. 



Philip S. Van Rensselaer assumes the office of Mayor of Albany, 
having been named by the Council of Appointment to succeed 
Col. Elisha Jenkins, who resigned in order to take up business 
at his native city, Hudson, N. Y., July 3. 




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N^O. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 4I9 



1819-182 0. 



City built up only one mile westward of the city, beyond that a dense 
forest of pine trees with here and there an opening of sandy 
plains, July. 

A sign of early medical college at Albany given by an advertisement 
of Dr. James Low, who offers to instruct a class of ten or twelve 
men in pharmacy, practical botany as applied to medicine and 
chemistry, August. 

Board of Agriculture organized here. 

Rev. William B. Lacey installed at St. -Peter's Church, Sept. 6. 

Charter Election of aldermen and assistants for 5 wards, Sept. 28. 

George Reelman, a German, aged 112^ years, born at Landau on 
March 8, 1707. and a fighter in the Battle of Prague on Alay 6, 
1757, dies at Settle's Hill, Guilderland. Oct. 2. 

Charter election, Common Council : John Stilwell, John L Ostran- 
der, L Charles E. Dudley, Isaac Hamilton, H. Nicholas 
Bleecker, John R. Bleecker, HL Matthew Trotter, Adonijah 
Moody, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, James Gibbons, V. Election, Sept. 
28; sworn in, Oct. 12. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer appointed Regent of L^niversity. 

John E. Lovett appointed attorney to the Common Council to suc- 
ceed Tennis Van Vechten who had resigned. Oct. 25. 

River closed to navigation, official record, Nov. 13. 

The Message delivered by the president at Washington at noon on 
Tuesday, Dec. 7th. arrives at New York city at 6 o'clock the 
next morning, and reaches this city in time to be published in 
Daily Advertiser on Friday, and is pronounced " unprecedented 
speed," Dec. 10. 

Lieut.-Gov. John Tayler, of Albany, presides at a meeting held in 
the Capitol to consider the prohibition of the extension of 
slavery in the L^nited States, addresses by Dr. Chester and 
Judge William A. Duer, and the latter's resolution was for- 
warded later to the Congress, Dec. 21. 



1820. 



Population of the city set forth as 12,541 and of the state 1,372,812, 
with slaves numbering 10,088 in New York state, January. 

Stage-coaches first allowed to carry the mail. 
Abraham Eights, highly respected citizen, aged 74 years, dies, 

Jan. 10. 



420 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32. 

1820. 



Mayor P. S. Van Rensselaer's flouring-mills on the Normanskill 
creek at the crossing of the Bethlehem turnpike, burned down, 

Jan. 19. 

Common Council's ordinance operative prohibiting sale of wood in 
State street east of Middle Lane (James St.), the object being 
to concentrate the selling of grain east of that lane, dealers 
notifying that they would sell nowhere else, Jan. 21. 

John Van Schaick, president of Bank of Albany, aged 47, dies, 

March i. 

Levi Solomon establishes a tobacco factory in Tivoli Hollow (suc- 
ceeded by B. Payn Tobacco Co., which firm name existed in 
1906). 

Legislative Act incorporating the Albany Savings Bank with 
Stephen Van Rensselaer its first president, March 24. 

River open to navigation, official record, March 25. 

Steamboat Paragon, Capt. Roorback, arrives from New York, the 
fare reduced to $6, March 27. 

Bank of Albany elects Barent Bleecker to succeed John A^an Schaick 
as its 6th president. 

Christopher Dunn, occupant of the old stone house on Green street, 
opens the famous Albany Cofifee House at corner of Green and 
Beaver streets, a daily resort of the famous men coming to 
Albany or resident. May. 

Albany Savings Bank, first in the city, opens, and sum of $527 re- 
ceived from 21 depositors the first day, Jos. T. Rice, silver- 
smith, leaving first deposit, $25. June 10. 

Prof. Theodric Romeyn Beck makes first (by 16 years) geological 
and agricultural survey of its kind in the state, selecting Albany 
county for his first field, Aug. 10. 

Albany firemen go to Troy to aid in fire that sweeps down River 
street, doing damage amounting to a million dollars, June 20. 

Apprentices' Library founded to aid young mechanics, Aug. 24. 

Albany Library removes from Chapel street to building of Mr. John 
Pruyn, one door north, on Broadway, of Exchange Building, 
later the site of the Post-Office of 1906, September. 

Abraham Van Vechten's wife, Catherine, aged 54, dies, Sept. 10. 

Capt. David Van Der Heyden. an officer in the War of 1812, dies at 
his residence. No. 85 No. Pearl street, Sept. 20. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer elected president of N. Y. State Agri- 
cultural Society. 

Charter election. Common Council : Theodore Sedgwick, Sebastian 
Visscher, L Charles E. Dudley, Chauncey Humphrey, II. 
Nicholas Bleecker, Richard S. Treat, HT. Matthew Trotter. 



No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 42I 

1820-1821. 

Estes Howe, IV. James Gibbons, Richard Dusenbury, V. 
Election, Sept. 26 ; sworn in, Oct. 10. 

Legislature convenes and listens to Message of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, 
and Derrick L. Yander Heyden elected clerk of Assembly, 

Nov. 7. 

A majority of the Common Council recently elected being Demo- 
cratic, Mayor P. S. Van Rensselaer tenders his resignation to 
take effect at the pleasure of the Board, having served 19 years 
as the city's executive, Nov. 13. 

A chamber of commerce formed with Nicholas Bleecker, Jr., sec- 
retary, November 

John Cook appointed librarian of Apprentices' Library, Nov. 30 

Isaiah Townsend elected president of Chamber of Commerce, 

Dec. 5 

River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 13 

Common Council deems it unwise to continue assize of bread, 

Dec. 18 

New York mail-coach breaks through ice in crossing to Greenbush 
and sinks in 15 feet of water, loss of $500, Dec. 21 

Rev. Dr. Chester preaches special sermon at celebration of the 
second centennial of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, 

Dec. 22. 



1821. 



Board of Agriculture imports a library from England which is 

placed in charge of Solomon Southwick, editor of The Plough 

Boy, Jan. 25. 

Benjamin Knower, of Albany, appointed state treasurer, Jan. 29. 

Henry C. Southwick, brother of Solomon, dies at New York, 

Jan. 29, 
Ice-boat arrives from Athens, 30 miles, i hour, t,2 mins., Feb. 2. 

Reorganization of city officers by Council of Appointment, Feb. 13. 

• • • 
(See No. 3-1.) 



No. 33. 



Jvily 8. 1816— July 2, 1819. 



No. S3- 
ELISHA JENKINS. 

Date of office: July 8, 1816 — -July 2, 1819. (Resigns). 

Appointed by: Governor John Jay. 

Place of birtli: Hudson, N. Y. 

Parents: Thomas (J.) and Mary Barnard. 

Education: School at Hudson. 

Married to: (a) Sarah Green. 

(b) Hannah 

Residence: No. 121 Lion street. (Washington ave.). 

Occupation: Merchant. 

Date of deatli: 1851. 

Place of death: New York, N. Y. 

Title: Colonel. 

Remarfzs: State Senator, 1798. Came to Albany in 1801. State 
Comptroller, 1801-6. Secretary of State, 1806-9. Quarter- 
master, General Northern Department, War of 1812. Colonel 
on staff of Governor George Clinton. Regent. Noted for 
strict integrity. 




33- ELISHA JENKINS. 
1S16-1819. 
From a photograph by Floyd, made from an old engraving in O'Callaghan's 
Documenlary History of New York. 



No. 33- ELISHA JENKINS. 425 

1816. 

(Continued from No. 32.) 
1816. 



Col. Elisha Jenkins is sworn as Mayor of Albany, the Council of 
Appointment being Democratic having removed Mayor Philip 
S. Van Rensselaer, who had officiated for the past 17 vears. 

'j"ly 8. 

Watervliet Arsenal's first building, a brick structure, being erected, 

July. 

James Dexter, Welcome Esleeck and John E. Lovett admitted as 
attorneys by the Supreme Court, all three proving later men of 
ability, the second mentioned serving as alderman many years 
and the last for several terms as city attorney, July 20. 

Common Council names a committee (McKown, Cooper and \"an 
Vechten) to prepare an address expressive of indignation of 
the Board at the removal of ^Mayor Van Rensselaer for political 
reasons, July 29. 

Albany Academy building completed. 

Capt. Roorback makes the experiment on the Car of Neptune of 
burning coal instead of wood, as there was much complaint that 
the woods of the city were being denuded of trees to satisfy 
the requirements of the steamboats, and the price had risen, 

Sept. I. 

Gen. Henry K. A'an Rensselaer, aged "j^i,, dies, Sept. 9. 

The steamboat Chancellor Livingston, built by Henry Eckford at 
New York. 495 tons (Munsell's Annals, Vol. VI., p. 40. 526 
tons) 157 feet long, 33 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 44x60 in. 
engine, first runs. 

The Albany Reading Room and Library opened in 1809 by John 
Cook (later the first N. Y. State Librarian) with 82 subscribers, 
James Kent allowing free rental of room, has 131 subscribers, 
and he appeals for more patrons or he must abandon it. 

Sept. 24. 

First Lutheran Church's new edifice (n. w. corner of Pine and Lodge 
streets) corner-stone laid, Philip Hooker, architect, by Rev. 
Mr. ]\Iayer. Sept. 26. 

Stage fare to Canandaigua $16.25. 

Charter election. Common Council : Isaac Denniston, John A'. N. 
Yates, I. Chauncey Humphrey. Peter D. Beeckman. II. Rich- 
ard S. Treat, Nicholas Bleecker, III. Charles D. Cooper, 
Solomon Allen, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, James Gibbons. \\ Elec- 
tion, Sept. 24 ; sworn in, Oct. 8. 



426 ELISHA JENKINS. No. 33. 

1816-1817. 



Legislature convenes and listens to D. D. Tompkins' ^Message, 

Nov. 5. 

Gerrit W. Van Schaick, first cashier of the Bank of Albany 
(1792-1814), a Revolutionary soldier at Burgoyne's surrender, 
and alderman, dies at Lansingburg, aged 59, Dec. 13. 

Police office established at s. w. corner of State and Pearl streets, 

Dec. 15. 

River closed to navigation, Dec. 16. 

Methodists start one of the first Sunday schools in the city. 

Debtors confined in the jail petition the rich " for such broken meats 
and vegetables as the opulent have it in their power to spare " 
during the inclement season, Dec. 28. 



1817. 



Local Legislative bill introduced to encourage search for coal be- 
tween Albany and Troy, Feb. 5. 

Citizens meet at the Capitol to discuss plans for the speedy and 
effectual abolition of slavery, Feb. 7. 

Gerrit L. Dox appointed State Treasurer, Feb. 12. 

Governor Tompkins presents swords, awarded by the Legislature of 
1814, to Maj.-Gen. Brown, U. S. Army, and Maj.-Gen. Mooers 
of the state militia, Feb. 19. 

Henry Trowbridge, at his Museum, gives the first exhibition of illu- 
minating-gas before a cultivated audience, March 22. 

John Tayler nominated lieutenant-governor, March 25. 

Legislature passes a law to abolish slavery in New York state, to be 
operative on and after July 4, 1827, providing that every negro, 
mulatto or mustee, born before July 4th, 1797, shall from and 
after the 4th day of July, 1827, be free, and that all negroes, 
mulattoes and mustees born after the 4th day of July, 1799, 
shall be free, males at the age of 28, and females at the age of 
25, March 31. 

Bill for the construction of the Erie canal passes the Legislature, 

April 15. 

Charles D. Cooper appointed secretary of state, April 16. 

Lancaster school removes to its own new building west side of 
Eagle, between Lancaster and Jay streets, Dr. Theodric 
Romeyn Beck delivering the formal opening address. May 5. 




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No. S3- ELISHA JENKINS. 4^7 



1817. 



Martin Van Buren and Benjamin F. Butler form a partnership in 
law, and establish their office at No. iii State street, May 26. 
Thos. W. Olcott made cashier of Mechanics & Farmers' Bank. 

June. 

Work inaugurated on Erie canal with public ceremonial, July 4- 

Dr. Samuel Stringer, born in Maryland and educated in Philadel- 
phia, received appointment in British army in 1755, present 
when Lord Howe fell at the siege of Ticonderoga, after which 
he settled in Albany and was prominent in erecting the first 
Masonic Lodge here, aged 82 years, dies, July 11. 

Dr. Theodric Romeyn Beck elected the 2nd principal of the Albany 
Academy and to instruct in mathematics, Aug. 14. 

About the first steam vessel to ply between this city and Troy, the 
Stoudinger, Captain Fish, put on the route, Aug. 21. 

Benjamin Knower elected (3rd) president Mechanics & Farmers' 
Bank. 

People were issuing private " shinplasters " ad lil)itum at this time, 
and one of the most active was Calvin Cheeseman, whose pri- 
vate banking-house had issued $150,000 when he assigned to 
John Van Ness Yates and C. Humphrey, Aug. 25. 

Captain Bartholomew goes to Lake George to command the first 
steamboat operated on that body. Caldwell to Ticonderoga, 

August. 

South ferry propelled by two horses working a treadle, the invention 

of Langdon, of Whitehall, August. 

Forty-five miles of the new Erie canal under contract, Sept. 13. 

Rev. Arthur Joseph Stansbury installed at 1st Presbyterian Church, 

Sept. 30. 

Charter election of aldermen and assistants in the 5 wards, 

Sept. 30. 

James Geddes, an engineer, advertises for proposals to excavate the 
canal connecting the Hudson with Lake Champlain, Oct. 10. 

Citizens meet at Moody's Tavern, So. Market st. (lower Broadway) 
to discuss methods of abolishing smaller currency bills than one 
dollar unless issued by the city, Oct. 7. 

Robert McClellan, former state treasurer, dies, Oct. 8. 

Casparus Pruyn, a highly respected citizen, dies, Oct. 8. 

Charter election, Common Council : John V. N. Yates, Isaac Den- 
niston, L Chauncey Humphrey. Charles E. Dudley, H. Nich- 
olas Bleecker, Richard S. Treat, HL Matthew Trotter. Samuel 
Harring. IV. Isaac I. Fryer, James Gibbons, V. Election, 
Sept. 30; sworn in, G)ct. 14. 



428 ELISHA JENKINS. No. T,;^. 

1817-1818. 



Dr. James MacNaughton, one of the most prominent physicians the 
city ever had, starts practice at No. 91 No. Pearl st., Oct. 15. 
Fire burns 21 houses, from No. 142 to 186 Washington street, 

Nov. 8. 
Whale exhibited at State and Lodge streets, Nov. 28. 

River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 14. 



1818. 



Postmaster Theodore Bailey, of New York, sends word that with 
the river closed the mail would be sent once daily by stage to 
New York on the east side of the river, Jan. 17. 

Thermometer 13 degrees below zero, which is likely inaccurate, as 
that of Simeon DeWitt registered 26 degrees below, Feb. 11. 

Freshet so high that water stood over 2 feet deep in the barroom 
of the Eagle Tavern, s. e. corner So. Market (Broadway) and 
Hamilton streets, the ferry carried half way to Pearl street and 
sailing vessels floated over the dock, one family carried in its 
house across the river to Bath, March 3. 

River open to navigation, official record, March, 25. 

Bell for South Dutch church, 2,500 lbs., made in Holland, placed in 
the belfry of the Beaver street edifice, March 30. 

N. Y. State Library founded by Act of Legislature, April 21. 

John Van Ness Yates appointed state secretary, April. 

Macfarlane's dye-house established by Robert and William Martin 
on Hudson avenue (on Norton street in 1906). 

Green street theatre, erected in 181 1, being unused, sold to the Bap- 
tist Society and funds raising to furnish it, June i. 

Rev. William B. Lacey accepts the call of St. Peter's Church to con- 
duct services for one year, proposing mutually the prospect of 
becoming the rector, July 2. 

Remains of Gen. Richard Montgomery (born at Swords, County 
Dubin, Ire., Dec. 2, 1736; killed before Quebec while fighting 
for the Americans' cause against the British, Dec. 31, 1775) 
having been brought to Troy on the 3rd, where they rested in 
the Court House, were conveyed the next morning to this city, 
being met at the northern bounds of the city by the corpora- 
tion's officers and military bodies under Lieut. -Col. LaGrange, 
the United States troops commanded by Majors Birdsall and 
Worth, marching through upper Broadway, Columbia and No. 
Pearl street to Gov. DeWitt Clinton's residence at the southeast 




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No. 33. ELISHA JENKINS. 429 

1818-1819. 

corner of No. Pearl and Steuben streets, thence to the Capitol, 
where they were deposited in the Council Chamber, the hono- 
rary pallbearers being local Revolutionary officers, July 4. 

General Montgomery's remains guarded over Sunday at the Capitol 
by Captain Lansing's artillery company, July 5. 

General Montgomery's remains escorted by a vast concourse made 
up of the city officials and military bodies to the steamboat 
Richmond, whereon Cols. H. Livingston and Peter Gansevoort, 
governor's aids, and Col. L. Livingston accompany the body to 
New York, to be deposited on July 8th, in St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church near the monument erected by the United States. 

July 6. 

Joseph Lancaster, a noted advocate of public instruction, arrives and 
visits the school named in his honor, delivering address, 

Sept. 4. 

Charter election, Common Council : John Stilwell, John L Os- 
trander, L Charles E. Dudley, Isaac Hamilton, IL Nicholas 
Bleecker, John R. Bleecker, IIL Matthew Trotter, Adonijah 
Moody, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, James Gibbons, V. Election, Sept. 
29; sworn in, Oct. 13. 

State Library, pursuant to law passed Apr. 21st, opened under John 
Cook as the first librarian, in a room in the Capitol, November. 

Common Council determines that proceedings shall be in public and 
that provision be made for spectators, Nov. 16. 

Stage line established to Montreal on west side of Lake Champlain, 
running three times weekly, Dec. 5. 

River closed, official record. Dec. 13. 



18 19. 



Governor reports in Message to the Legislature the expense of 
erecting the Capitol as completed Nov. _i, 1808, at the head 
of State street, west of the park, fronting on a line with Park 
Place and bordering State street upon the south, paid by the 
State, $73,485.42; by City, $34,200; by County, $3,000; total, 
$110,685.42; the city using the northeast corner for the Com- 
mon Council Chamber, on the first floor, the Mayor's Court 
using the room on floor above, Jan. i. 

Baptists dedicate the renovated Green street theatre, Jan. i. 

Proposition to establish a stage line to Niagara Falls, to cover the 
distance in four days, thus making it feasible to reach Detroit 
in eight days by rapid traveling, Jan. 25. 



430 ELISHA JENKINS. No. ^^. 

1819. 

Loaf of bread required by law to weigh 2lbs. 8oz., Feb. t. 

Gould Hoyt acts as chairman of a meeting at Bement's Inn, No. 
55 State street, to advocate aboHshment of law imprisoning for 
debt, Feb. 24. 

Up to first of this year, since 1797, the sum of $148,707.94 had been 
raised by lotter)- for improvement of navigation near city. 

Albany Chamber of Commerce organized, April. 

River open to navigation, official record, April 3. 

Jeremias Van Rensselaer, the last of the original line in Holland 
to bear the name, direct descendant of the founder of Rens- 
selaer, three miles southeast of Xykerk, had married Julie 
Duval ; but had no children, and in his will stating- he has no 
heirs except the Van Rensselaers living in America, dies at 
Nykerk, Holland, April 11. 

Benj. \\'hipplc, many years Assembl_v door-keeper, aged 64, dies, 

April 30. 

Mail sent by post-riders done away with, ^lay. 

Academy park or common excavated to use soil in grading Lydius 
street, (Madison ave.) causing a pond in the depression. May. 

Mayor Elisha Jenkins decides that he intends to move to Hudson 
to live and resigns his office, taking effect, July 2. 



(See No. 22.) 



No. 34. 

OIIjarl^0 iEinmarh iuil^g. 



Feb. 19, 1821 — Feb. 15, 1822. 
Feb. 16, 1822 — Feb. 19, 1823. 
Feb. 20, 1823 — Mar. 9,1824. 

v5- * ^J 

May 29, 1828 — Dec. 31, 1828. 
JanV 1, 1829— Jan. 19, 1829. 



No. 34. 
CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 

Date of oiUcc: (a) Feb. 19, 1821 — Feb. 15, 1822. 

(b) Feb. 16, 1822 — Feb. 19, 1823. 

(c) Feb. 20, 1823 — March 9, 1824. 

(d) May 29, 1828 — Dec. 31, 1828. 

(e) Jan. i, 1829 — Jan. 19, 1829 (resigned) 
Date of election: (a) Feb. 19, 1821. 

(b) Feb. 16, 1822. 
( c ) Feb. 20, 1823. 

(d) May 29, 1828. 

(e) Jan'y i, 1829. 
Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: (a) Laianimous. 

(b) L^nanimous. 

(c) Unanimous. 

(d) Unanimous. 

(e) Unanimous. 
Opponent: (a) None. 

(b) None. 

(c) None. 

(d) None. 

(e) None. 

Date of birth: May 23, 1780. 

Place of birth: Johnson Hall, Staffordshire, England. 

Parents: Charles Dudley and Catherine Crook. 

Education: Newport schools. 

Married to: Blandina Bleecker. 

Children: None. 

Residence: No. 54 North Pearl street. 

Occupation: Merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: January 23, 184 1. 

Place of death: Albany. 

Place of burial: Albany Txural Cemetery. 

Title: Senator. 

Remarks: Presidential elector. 181'). Came to Albany in 1819. 
Alderman, 1819-20. State Senator, 1820-24. Council of 
Appointment, 1822. United States Senator. 1829-33. Vice- 
President ^Mechanics and Farmers' Bank, February 3. 1834. 
Public spirited. His widow endowed Dudley Observatory. 
His father under British Collector of Port, at Newport, R. L, 
previous to the Revolution. 




34- CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 
1821-24; 1828-29. 
From an oil painting made from life that was presented to the city of 
Albany by Mr. Dudley Tibbits of Troy. 



No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 433 



1821. 



(Continued from No. 32.) 
1821. 



Charles Edward Dudley, having been unanimously elected Mayor 
of Albany, by the Common Council, assumes office, Feb. 19. 

Pierre Van Cortland's wife, Ann, dies at her home, corner of North 
Market street (Broadway) and Steuben street, Feb. 20. 

John O. Cole appointed a police justice, Feb. 22. 

Welcome Esleeck appointed superintendent of Common schools in 
place of Gideon Hawley, Feb. 22. 

Washington's Birthday observed, address by Hooper Cumming, 

Feb. 22. 

William Caldwell, prominent merchant, No. 64 State street, retires, 

March 5. 

Legislature reduces pay of members from $4 to $3, March 20. 

River open to navigation, March 25. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer elected congressman, April 26. 

Martin Van Buren and Benj. F. Butler remove their law office to 
No. 353 North Market st. (Broadway) from No. 11 1 State st.. 

May II. 

Capitol Square or park having been improved in fall of 1820, citizens 
propose a fund to improve Academy Square, the commons, in 
same manner, with the idea of rendering the vacant and use- 
less lots north of it, on Elk street, worthy of building houses 
there, May 15. 

Complaint that city salaries are too large, especially that of police 
justice at $300, when formerly it was $80 annually. May 2y. 

Albany Academy trustees advertise for removal of 10,000 loads of 
earth from the Square, and to dump on Elk street hollow, north, 

June 4. 

Negro found in State Bank when Cashier Yates was about to re- 
tire to his room in the building to go to bed, secured by struggle, 

June 21. 

Female Academy building corner-stone, Montgomery street, its sec- 
ond edifice (site of N. Y. Central railroad station) laid at 11 
a. m. by Rev. John Chester before a vast concourse, June 26. 

Henry J. Bogart, many years alderman, aged 92, dies, June 28. 

Steamboat fare to New York raised to $8 for one person, but the 
steamboat United States was put on and charged only half, 

June 29. 



434 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34. 

1821. 

Independence Day celebrated, Dirck Vander Heyden, orator, July 4. 

Constitutional Convention meets at " Old " Capitol and Hon. Daniel 
D. Tompkins is chosen president of the body, August 28. 

Steamboat Chancellor tries the innovation of a band of music aboard 
for delectation of its passengers, Aug 30. 

Flenry Trowbridge adds the New Haven museum to his collection 
in the " Marble Pillar,'' n. w. corner of Broadway and State 
street, and announces his collection surpasses any in country, 
save Peal's, I'hiladelphia, August 31. 

Dirck Van Scliclluyne, an alderman, advertises for sale a lot of two 
acres, used as a woodyard by steamboats, Madison avenue and 
Hamilton street, Sept. i. 

Rev. John McDonald dies at residence. No. 41 No. Pearl st, Sept. i. 

Theory of rotary and progressive motion of storms expounded by 
William C. Redficld, scientist, Sept. 3. 

Dr. Alden March, who had come here from Massachusetts to live, 
instructs a class of fourteen young men in medicine in a build- 
ing on Montgomery street, Sept. 15. 

Albany County Agricultural Society holds third anniversary, Hon. 
Stephen Van Rensselaer, president, and awards Jesse Buel 
prize of $10 for the best two acres of wheat raised in the city, 
39 bushels 12 qts. of wheat being raised on one acre, Oct. 10. 

Charter election. Common Council : Theodore Sedgwick, John 
Stillwell, I. Chauncey Humphrey, John Cassidy, H. Nicholas 
Blcecker, Robert Davis, III. Philip Phelps, James L'Amou- 
reux, IV. James Gibbons, Richard Dusenbury, V. Election. 
Sept. 25 ; sworn in, Oct. 19. 

Francis M. Southwick oldest son of Solomon Southwick and an 
officer of a local command, aged 23, dies, Oct. 21. 

Col. John Visscher, aged 85, dies, Oct. 24. 

The Chancellor Livingston runs aground on tlie Overslaugh and re- 
mains so for 29 hours, Oct. 29. 

Steamboat Richmtjud agromid on Overslaugh 4 hours, and causes 
universal indignalicjn among citizens at condition of channel, 

Oct. 30. 

Constitutional Convention, after session of 75 days adjourns, and 
final vote on adoption is 98 to 8, with 18 absent at voting, 

Nov. 10. 

Albany Female Academy building, on Montgomery street, com- 
pleted at a cost of $3,000.96, November. 

Common Council abolishes all i)revious laws regarding weight of 
bread ; but insists that bakers stamp on loaves initials and 
weight, Nov. 5. 



No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 435 

1821-1822. 

Yoke of oxen weighing 3,000 lbs. each, raised by Hartford, Vt. 

farmer, largest ever in city, exhibited at Fly Market, 6 So. 

Pearl, Nov. 28. 

River closes to navigation, Dec. 13. 



1822. 



Legislature convenes, in Assembly from Albany, James IMcKown, 
William McKown, Volckert Douw Oothout and John P. Shear ; 
in Senate, Charles E. Dudley and Archibald Mclntyre, Jan. i. 

Thermometer 14 degrees below zero, Jan. 5. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer resigns seat in Congress to become 
postmaster at Albany, Solomon Southwick removed, and Gov- 
ernor orders an election for Feb. 5th to fill vacancy in Con- 
gress, Jan. 14. 

Thermometer 15 degrees below zero throughout the city, Jan. 14. 

Voting on adoption of the new constitution completed Nov. 10, 
1821, city of Albany votes 690 in favor and 614 against; county 
voting 1,905 in favor and 1,981 against, Jan. 15. 

Dr. James Low, aged 40, dies (burial at Charlton, Saratoga Co.) 
and the Medical society members resolve to wear crape on left 
arm for next 30 days, Feb. 3. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer's handsome home, Cherry Hill, just 
south of the city line, burned by incendiaries. The Governor 
offers reward of $500 General Van Rensselaer $500 and Com- 
mon Council $250, Feb. 16. 

Mavor Charles E. Dudley reappointed by the Common Council, 

Feb. 16. 
• • • 

IMayor Charles Edward Dudley, having been reappointed at an 
election held by the Common Council on Feb, i6th, resumes 
office, Feb. 16. 

Valuation of real and personal property in Albany county for 182 1 
is placed at $7,484,647, Feb. 21. 

Abraham A. Lansing, living at Cherry Hill, below city line, aged 
70 years, dies there, Feb. 21. 

River open to navigation only before the city, Feb. 28. 

Knox, named after Rev. John Knox, formed from Berne. Feb. 28. 

New state constitution is adopted by a vote of 116,919. 



436 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34. 



1822. 



Ice breaks up but passage not clear to New York, March 6. 

John street changed from Sturgeon Lane. 

Meteor of extraordinarv- brilliancy and size passes southwest, 

March q. 

Rev. John Bassett completes translation of Vander Donk's historv 
of New Netherland. he having removed to Bushwick, L. I., 

March lo 

t^egislature adjourns after a session of 107 days, April 17. 

Jane McCrea's remains having been removed to the Fort Edward 
cemetery, Rev. Hooper Gumming preaches the special sermon. 

April 23. 

.Much silver plate found in a field at west end of city while a 
person was ploughing, tea and coffee-pots, sugar-bowls, spoons, 
etc., buried there during 40 years after robbery of Thos. Ship- 
boy. Survivor of this robbery of 1778 now living is Col. 
Sebastian Visscher's wife, April 29. 

Rev. Henry W. Weed installed at First Presbyterian church, May 7. 

Barent Bleecker unanimously re-ekcted president Bank of Albany, 

May 14. 

Canal loan, $600,000. taken at a premium of 1%% by New York 
State Bank and Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, on 6% stock. 

May J2. 

St. Peter's Church vestry advertises to build a steeple. May 29. 

Websters & Skinners, publishers, dissolve partnership, consisting of 
George and Charles R. Webster, Hezekiah and Elisha W. 
Skinner, June i. 

No debtor confined m the jail at this time, — unusual, June i.]. 

Steamboats introduce cotillions to entertain passengers, Jiut^ 15 

Harrowgate spring, discovered in Greenbush in 1792 half a mik 
back from river and frcfjuentcd much by " the genteel " unti! 
militia post was establislicd there in 181 3. again comes to 
notice with a bath-house, June 17. 

]\lartin Van Buren and Benj. F. lUitler, i^rominent attorneys who 
had moved into No. 353 No. Market st. (Broadway) on May 
II. 1821. now remove to No. 109 State st. 

Joseph Caldwell, a ]irominent and respected citizen, 85, dies June 23. 

Erie canal work being rapidly progressed and freightage to Ctii^a 
greatly increased, 350 wagons loaded v/ith flour passing on the 
turnpike from Albany to Schenectady in one day. July r 

Citizens meet at Capitol and nominate Solomon Southwick for gov- 
ernor, July 24. 

Oriental Star, religious, ])ublished by Bczaleel Howe. Aug. 3. 



No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 437 

1822. 



At this time the Albany (Boys) Academy has 4 teachers and 130 
students, Albany Female Academy has 4 teachers and 138 
students, Mechanics' Academy has 1 teacher and 40 students, 
Lancaster School has i teacher and 390 students, Aug. 8. 

Newspapers boast of the unlieard of rapidity of mail serivce, letters 
mailed in New York on July 19th were received at Rochester 
on 23rd, a distance of 390 miles, by stage, Aug. 9. 

Yellow fever raging in New York, merchants convey their stock to 
Albany and rent stores here during the epidemic, Aug. to 

Joseph Bonaparte, Spain's ex-King, arrives at Albany on his travels, 
and takes rooms at Eagle Tavern, s. e. cor. Broadway and 
Hamilton, Aug. 15. 

Wheat sells at $1.22 a bushel, loaves of 4 lbs. at i s., Aug. 27. 

Steamboats from New York quarantined at Van Rensselaer Island 
below the city, fearing yellow fever, order by proclamation, 

Aug. 28. 

Charter election for aldermen and assistants in five wards, Sept. 19. 

Harmanus P. Schuyler, former sherift and chamberlain many years, 
dies at his home in Niskayuna. aged 53 years, Oct. 13. 

Dr. Alden March starts second course of his anatomical lectures. 

Oct. 14. 

Charter election. Common Council : John Townsend, Friend 

Flumphrey, I. John Cassidy, Jeremiah Waterman, II. Eben- 

. ezer Baldwin, Jacob H. Ten Eyck. III. James L'Amoureaux, 

Welcome Esleeck, I\'. James Gibbons, benjamin Wilson, V. 

Election, Sept. 24; sworn in, Oct. 18. 

Hawthorn McCulloch of So. Ferry street, exhibits a beet 2 feet, 
3 inches long, 17 inches in circumference, four feet being the 
entire length of plant, Oct. 25. 

New York merchants here during yellow fever spell, return, Oct. 27. 

James Denny, quartermaster aboard U. S. Schooner Alligator, aged 
30, killed in engagement with pirates, Nov; 9. 

Greek war for emancipation from Turks engages sympathy of 
citizens and meetings are held to raise funds to help Greeks, 

Nov. 19. 

President's Message arrives on third day after its deliverv. Dec. 7. 

River closes to navigation. Dec. 24. 

John Ten Broeck, who was a member of the state convention 
framing the state constitution of 1777, also a Revolutionary 
patriot, aged 83, dies Dec. 26. 

Aaron Thorpe & Co. advertise a stage line to Canandaigua and 
guarantee to arrive at Utica day of starting out, ' Dec. 27. 



:j.38 • CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34. 

1823. 



1823. 

Joseph C. Yates sworn in as Governor and Legislature convenes, 

Jan. I. 

A new theatre opened at No. 140 State street, the other one at 
this time being the Albany Theatre at Thespian Hotel, No. 
Pearl st., Jan. 12. 

James Dexter and Richard Van Rensselaer admitted by Supreme 
Court to practice as counselors, Jan. 17. 

Moses I. Cantine, one of the proprietors and editors of the Argus, 
also the state printer, aged 49 years, dies Jan. 24. 

Nicholas N. Ouackenbush, prominent lawyer, dies at his residence. 
No. 272 No. Market st. (Broadway), aged 59 years, Jan. 26. 

Tobias Van Schaick, foremost dry goods merchant, retires, Jan. 31. 

William A. Tweed Dale, principal of Lancaster school, makes annual 
report, showing 311 scholars, and income of $1,611.56, which 
had covered all the expenses, Feb. 3. 

Jeremiah Waterman opens a large dry goods store on No. Market 
St. (Broadway) opp. Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, Feb. 5. 

Thermometer 18 degrees below zero, Feb. 7. 

Simeon DeWitt appointed state survevor-general, second time, 

Feb. 8. 

Thorpe's stage makes record to Utica, leaving there at midnight 
and arriving here at 9:10 a. m., six passengers, the 96 miles 
in practically 9 hours, and covering the turnpike from Schenec- 
tady (16 miles) in 6y minutes. This coach, same six pas- 
sengers, returned to Utica that afternoon, arriving at 7 p. m., 
went to New Hartford and back to Utica at 8 p. m., thus 
covering 200 miles in 20 hours^ Feb. 8. 

William L. Marcy appointed state comptroller, Feb. 13. 

Benjamin Wright reports to canal commissioners, as consulting 
engineer, that a basin for boats leaving the canal at Albany 
would be an advantage to the city and might be constructed 
for $100,000. and it would help shipments to river boats without 
storage, Feb. 11. 

Chas. R. Webster elected president Albany Mechanics' Society, 

Feb. II. 

Charles E. Dudley unanimously re-elected by the Common Council 

Feb. 20. 
• • • 

Charles Edward Dudley having been unanimously re-elected by the 
Common Council on this day, resumes his duties as Mayor, 

Feb. 20. 



No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 439 



1823. 



Geo. Webster, a proprietor of Daily Advertiser, aged 6i, dies, 

Feb. 21. 

Apprentices' Library having 350 readers on its roll and 1,585 books, 
is benefited to extent of $137 by Rev. H. Cumming's lecture, 

Feb. 23. 

Benjamin F. Butler, partner of Martin Van Buren, lawyers, ap- 
pointed district attorney for Albany county, March. 

Albany Lyceum of Natural History incorporated; Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, president. 

James Wasson and Major C. Humphrey, acting for Wasson & 
Jewell, livery, drive into town with fifty horses attached to a 
single sleigh, having procured them in Montreal, March 21. 

River ice breaking up, March 24. 

River so free of ice that the Fire Fly arrives, March 26. 

Ira Porter, merchant tailor, dies at Ballston, March 31. 

Legislature passes bill authorizing Albany basin, April 5. 

Law passed instructing supervisors to construct a treadmill near 
the Albany jail, to cost not more than $1,100, and commission- 
ing Friend Humphrey, James McKown and Philip Hooker to 
provide it, April 15. 

Dr. Theodric Romeyn Beck's wife, Harriet, daughter of James Cald- 
well, a prominent merchant, dies, April 18. 

Gibbonsville (later to be West Troy, — Watervliet) incorporated, 

April 23. 

Tobias Van Schaick's wife, Jane, aged 40, dies, April 25. 

Legislature adjourns, having passed 269 laws, April 25. 

State engineering corps locates Erie canal lock to open into the 
river, and stakes out the pier forming the basin. May 15. 

John Cook, first state librarian, located in "Old " Capitol, announces 
that he will keep the library open for those citizens who might 
desire to consult the books, until late in the fall, June 17. 

Funeral of Dirck Van Schelluyne, July 24. 

Grown near the city, eighty-seven headed stalks of rye from a single 
head of grain, July 24. 

New series of Literature Lottery drawn in Albany under supervision 
of C. A. Ten Eyck, William Gould and Ebenezer Baldwin, 

July 26. 

Windmill near " Old " Capitol disrupted by severe gale, July 2^. 

Albany bar meets to testify respects to Hon. James Kent on retiring 
from ofifice as chancellor, Estes Howe presiding, July 29. 

New steamboat James Kent arrives, passage in 20 hours, built by 
Smith & Dimon at New York city, 364 tons, 140 ft. x 48 ft., 

Aug. 19. 



440 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34. 

1823. 

John \\ Henry, lawyer, receives " LL.D." from AUddlebury college, 

Aug. 20. 

Rev. John Ludlow installed at North Dutch Church, Aug. 20. 

John Cook, first State Librarian, originator of the Albany Library 
and reading room, aged 59, dies, (Calvin Pepper succeeding), 

Aug. 21. 

Graham Klink, publisher of Albany Directory, aged 30, dies, 

Aug. 29. 

Alfred Conkling and Jabez Hammond form law firm, 65 State St., 

Sept. 2. 

Dam and lock in the Hudson above Troy completed and Waterford 
and Lansinburg people celebrate, the Fire Fly taking passengers 
through the lock to Waterford at $1 a head, — dam's length 
1,100 feet, 48 feet high from foundation and 58 feet broad, 

Sept. 10. 

T. Romeyn Beck's "Medical Jurisprudence " printed, Sept. 15. 

First water passes from Erie canal into Albany basin, and an eel 
three feet long, as the first living thing to come through, caught 
and preserved in the Lyceum of Natural History, Sept. 25. 

Charter election for aldermen and assistants in the 5 wards, 

Sept. 30. 

Erie canal ceremoniously opened, from the Genesee river eastward 
to the Hudson river, and the canal-boat DeWitt Clinton tra- 
verses this completed portion. Governor Yates, IVIay^or Charles 
E. Bleecker, Common Council and other guests aboard; Dr. 
Mitchell mingling waters from the West and waters from the 
ocean as it passes amid hussas and booming of cannon through 
the first lock and into the Hudson, Oct. 8. 

Charter election. Common Council : John Townsend, Friend Hum- 
phrey, L John Cassidy, Jeremiah Waterman, H. James Van 
Ingen, Ebenezer Baldwin, HL Philip Phelps, Hawthorn 
McCulloch, IV. James Gibbons, Benjamin Wilson, V. Elec- 
tion, Sept. 30; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

One foot of snow falls, thunder and lightning, Oct. 25. 

Elisha Jenkins advertises for construction of the Pier, to be 1,700 
feet long, 80 feet wide and 18 feet high, Oct. 29. 

Rev. Jos. Hulburt installed at Third Presbyterian Church, Oct. 29. 

Incorporation of Commercial Bank applied for by Joseph Alexander, 
George W. Stanton, David E. Gregory, and Alexander David- 
son, to have a ca]5ital of $500,000, Nov. 2^. 

Samuel Vander Heyden, a founder of Troy, dies, Nov. 27. 

Apprentices' Library removed to Bank of Albany building, and Paul 
Hochstrasser appointed librarian, Nov. 27. 



No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 44I 

1823-1824. 

River closes (but opens later), Dec. i. 

Common Council holds that city will no longer be responsible for 
accidents happening at ferry, sunrise to sunset, Dec. 2. 

George W. Mancius, former postmaster, aged 56, dies, Dec. 4. 

Watervliet Arsenal's second building, of stone, west of canal, built. 
Robert Dunlop's malt house and 5,000 bushels of barley, burnt, 

Dec. 15. 
River closes to navigation, Dec. 18. 

Ice in river breaks up, caused by rain, and freshet ensues, Dec. 25. 



1824. 



A political disaffection in the Common Council seeks the overthrow 
of Mayor C. E. Dudley, and on balloting to declare the office 
vacant the vote stood 11 to 11, inclusive of the ^Mayor's vote, 

Jan. I. 

Legislature convenes, John Van Ness Yates administering oaths, 

Jan. 6. 

Twelve Niskayuna Shakers brought to town jail on refusing to 
perform military duty as incompatible with their doctrine ; but 
the colonel of the regiment recognizes their plea, ' Jan. 8. 

Albany Regency, a political clique of great power in the state and 
also extending to control the presidency and governmental 
positions, prominent movers in which were John A. Dix, Martin 
Van Buren, William L. Marcy and Silas Wright, all of whom 
served as New York governors at some time, commenced to 
gain in strength from 1820 (existing until about 1854) and an 
important factor onward from 1824. 

Ice moves down the river leaving it open to New York city, Jan. 11. 

John S. Van Rensselaer confirmed by Senate as County judge, 

Jan. 16. 

New York State Literature Lottery tickets sold from store of 
Chauncey Johnson, No. 393 So. Market st. (Broadway), 

Feb. 5. 

" Religious Monitor " issued by Chauncey Webster, Feb. 5. 

Common Council ballots ten times for mayor, the 22 votes being 
divided between John N. Ouackenbush and Ambrose Spencer, 
whereupon someone proposing adjournment and the vote being 
II to II, the Mayor cast a deciding vote. Eleven members 



442 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34. 

1824, 1828. 

remained after adjonrnment and organizing cast 1 1 votes for 
Ambrose Spencer, whom they declared elected Mayor ; but this 
was later not considered lawful, Feb. 9. 

Dr. Robert Kerr, physician in British army in Canada who had been 
kind to the Americans in the War of 1812, aged 69, buried 
from Cruttenden's hotel ( later known as Congress hall) having 
died, Feb. 25. 

Philip S. Van Rensselaer elected president of the Bible and Prayer- 
Book Society of Albany and vicinity, Feb. 24. 

River opened to navigation (Gov't record), March 3. 

Common Council ballots for Alayor, the vote on first ballot standing 
II to II. On second ballot John Lansing, Jr., had 10, i blank, 
and 1 1 for Ambrose Spencer, who was declared duly elected, 

March 8. 
• * • 

(See No. 35.) 

(Continued from No. 36.) 
1828. 



Charles Edward Dudley, after a lapse of four years, a fourth time 
becomes Mayor, having been unanimously elected by the Com- 
mon Council on this day because of the resignation on May 
23rd of Mayor James Stevenson, May 29. 

Steamboat DeWitt Clinton launched at the Albany builders' dock 
of Hand & Kenyon, near the south ferry, of 571 tons. 233 
feet long, 28 feet broad and 10 feet deep in hold, with engine 
66x120 inches, the fourth steamboat built at this city; but 
stated in Munsell's "Annals of Albany," (Vol. IX, p. 169) to 
be 143 feet long and 27 feet broad. May. 

First successfully steam-driven printing-press in America (probablv 
made by R. Floe & Co.) operated at n. w. corner Green and 
Beaver streets, to print " The Temperance Recorder." 

City maintains 586 oil lamps this year. 

The late DeWitt Clinton's property sold by sheriff to satisfy a 
judgment of $6,000, at which the large and magnificent silver 
vases presented to him by the merchants of New York in recog- 
nition of his successful eft'orts in instituting the Erie canal, are 
sold for $600, and nothing left of his once fine estate save a few 
old carriages. Truly was it written in Clinton's City Directory 
by Marcus T. Reynolds, deposited later in the State Library, 







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No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 443 

1828. 

" He who added millions to the State of New York has himself 
died poor." June 3. 

Extensive stone dykes being built along the west bank of the river 
a few miles south of the city, July. 

William Duffey converts Albany Circus into Summer Theatre, 

July 26. 

Solomon Southwick declines being candidate for governor, July 28. 

Rev. Wm. B. Lacey, of St. Peter's Church, publishes for use of the 
schools, " An Illustration of the Principles of Elocution," 

Aug. I. 

Albany Savings Bank's business conducted by the Commercial. 

Albany Female Seminary opens for inspection at 65 Division st., 

Aug. 22. 

Proposition to level Robinson's Hill by building a stone wall at low 
parts and leveling, Eagle, Hudson to Madison avenue, and 
honoring DeWitt Clinton by giving the new square his name, 

Aug. 22. 

Common Council receives bids for leveling Robinson's Hill and 
carting the earth to the low pasture land south of So. Ferry 
St., one contractor agreeing to perform the work if allowed 
three quarters of the land made suitable for building, Aug. 25. 

Common Council estimates that its property on Robinson's Hill 
contains about 44 lots, requiring removal of 150,700 cubic 
yards at 9 cents, amounting to $13,500, and agrees to contract 
with Clark & Rose to allow the firm three out of four lots 
excavated, Aug. 28. 

Common Council allows Clark & Rose to lay tracks from Madison 
avenue, through So. Pearl and So. Ferry streets in removing 
Robinson's Hill, Sept. 8. 

Israel Smith and Joseph Alexander, commissioners improving the 
Hudson, report excavating for 1,500 feet through the Over- 
slaugh, at uniform breadth of 160 feet, so as to afford 10 feet 
at high tide during lowest stage of water in river, by depositing 
1,100 scowloads, 24 cubic yards each, behind the dyke on west 
bank, and they urge a further appropriation to continue the 
work Sept. 8. 

Legislature convenes at " Old " Capitol to revise laws, Sept. 9. 

Steamboat North America accomplishes trips to and from New 
York by daylight, making it in 10 hrs. 53 mins., Sept. 11. 

Albany and Troy boat running at this time, the Carolina, Capt. 
H. Keeler, charging 12^ cents, Sept. 15. 

Israel W. Clark, in 1812 editor of the " Watch Tower," and who 
revived the "Albany Register" in 1818, aged 39, dies at 
Rochester, Sept. 20. 



444 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34. 

1828. 

Steamboat DeWitt Clinton completed at Hand & Kenyon's yards 
near South ferry, and under Capt. Thos. Wiswall takes 350 
guests to Hudson and back, Sept. 27th, and commences regular 
N. Y. trips, Sept. 29. 

John I. Van Rensselaer, aged 66, dies at Greenbush, Sept. 29. 

Charter election for alderman and assistants of the five wards, the 
Jackson party (Dem.) pitted against the (Rep.) Adams party, 

Sept. 30. 

State street paved from Eagle to Lark street. 

Charter election, Common Council : Friend Humphrey, John 
Townsend, I. John Cassidy, Daniel McGlashan, H. Gerrit 
Gates, Isaac W. Staats, HI. Philip Phelps, Hathorn McCul- 
loch, IV. Francis I. Bradt, James Gibbons, V. Election, Sept. 
30; sworn in, Oct. 14. 

Steamboat North America wdiile coming to Albany, springs a leak 
and runs ashore at West Point, with stern in 90 feet of water ; 
but 300 passengers are put aboard Constellation and DeWitt 
Clinton, Nov. 25. 

Common Council enacts that bread must be made in loaves weighing 
one, two and three pounds, Nov. 25. 

Abraham Van Vechten elected president of St. Nicholas Society, 

Nov. 25. 

Common Council decides to establish a market on west side of 
So. Pearl street, between Howard and Beaver streets, Nov. 27. 

Fourth Presbyterian Church incorporated, Dec. i. 

Erection of second edifice of St. Alary 's (R. C.) Church. 

John Maley Cuyler removing from city, W^illiam L. Osborn .( Dem.) 
is elected assistant alderman of First ward, Dec. 16. 

River closed to navigation. Government record, Dec. 23. 

Albany Times and Literary Writer, edited by Simeon DeWitt 
Bloodgood, issued by Daniel McGlashan, No. 44 Dean street, 

Dec. 27. 

Common Council applied to by Messrs. Archibald Campbell, David 
Newlands, Jacob F. Sternbergh, J. Smith, Daniel Carmichael, 
Duncan Robertson, James Carmichael and Peter Mcintosh for 
permission to erect a vault where bodies might be kept a time 
before burial to prevent dissection by doctors, and would pur- 
chase a part of Potter's field, Dec. 29. 

Common Council recjuested by Samuel Pruyn, Israel Smith and 
others to improve No. Pearl from Orange to Patroon st. (Clin- 
ton ave.) which was suited only to the miserable hovels there, 

Dec. 29. 



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No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 445 



1829. 



1829. 

Common Council assembles at 9 a. m., the entire body of 21 members 
present, and Charles Edward Dudley is unanimously re-elected 
the Mayor of Albany, Jan. i. 

Members of the Common Council order carriages at the public 
expense to make the customary New Year's calls, Jan. i. 
Gov. Martin Van Buren inaugurated, Enos T. Throop, Lieut.-Gov- 
ernor, while cannon fire 33 guns, denoting each thousand of 
majority vote, the cannon used being the " Clinton," dis- 
charged at Robinson's Hill by the famous Jonathan Kidney, 

Jan. I. 
Forty-four pews of St. Mary's new (R. C.) Church sell for $1,475, 

Jan. I. 
Clinton Lodge, No. 7, I. O. O. P., instituted, Jan. 9. 

Rev. John Chester, (b. Weather sfield, Conn.) aged 43 years and 
pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, dies at Philadelphia, 

Jan. 12. 
Gen. Goze Van Schaick's widow, Mary, aged 79 years, dies, Jan. 15. 
Mayor Charles E. Dudlev chosen U. S. Senator by Legislature, 

Jan. 15. 
Mayor Charles Edward Dudley resigns his office to become United 
States Senator, Jan. 19. 

• • • 

(See No. 37.) 



No, 35. 



MarcK lO. 1824 — Dec. 31. 1824. 
Jan. 1. 1825 — Jan. 1, 1826. 



No. 35. 

AMBROSE SPENCER. 

Date of office: (a) March 10, 1824-December 31, 1824. 

(b) January 1, 1825-January i, 1826. 
Date of election: (a) March 8, 1824. 

(b) January i, 1825. 
Vote: (a) 11. 

(b) Unanimous. 
Opponent: (a) John Lansing'. Jr. 

(b) None. 
Vote: (a) 10. 

(b) None. 
Total vote: (a) 21. 
(b) 21. 
Date of birth: December 13, 1765. 
Place of birth: Sahsbury, Conn. 
Parents: PhiHp (S.) and Mary ^loore. 
Education: Harvard, 1783. 
Married to: (a) Laura Canfield. 

(b) (Airs. ) ]Mary Chnton (Norton). 

(c) Catherine Chnton. ( d. Aug. 20, 1837.) 
Date: (a) February 18, 1784. 

(b) 1808. 

Children: (6) (a) John Canfield, Abby, Wilham, Theodore,, 
Ambrose, Laura. 

(b) None. 

(c) None. 
Residence: No. 119 Washington avenue. 
Occupation: Lawyer. 

Religion: Episcopahan. 

Date of death: March 13, 1848. 

Place of death: Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y. 

Place of burial: .\lbany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Judge. 

Remarks: Came to Albany from Hudson, 1802. Attorney- 
General, 1802-4. Judge of Supreme Court, 1804. Chief 
Justice, 1819-23. [Member Constitutional Convention, 1821. 
Congress, 1829-31. Most capable, honest. Capitol and! 
Academy parks laid out, fenced, trees planted. 




35. AMBROSE SPENCER. 
1824-1826. 
From a photograph by Clifford of an old engraving, owned in 1904 by his 
great-granddaughter, Mrs. Augustus H. Walsh, of Albany. 



No. 35. AMBROSE SPENCER. 449 



1824. 



(Continued from No. 34) 
1824. 



Judge Ambrose Spencer is sworn into office as Mayor of Albany 
at the meeting of the Common Council, having been elected 
on May 8th, by a vote of 11 to 10, following Mayor C. E. 
Dudley, March 10. 

Supreme Court decides that the Fulton Steamboat Co. has no right 
to the monopoly of Hudson river passenger and freight traffic 
by steamboat because of its original charter, given when it 
seemed as though it were a matter of steam navigation and 
one company alone. 

Albany Sovereign Consistory and Albany Sovereign Chapter Rose 
Croix instituted. 

Legislature adjourns, March 12. 

South ferry leased for one year at $5,890 to Mr. Wendell, 

March 30. 

National Democrat, Solomon Southwick editor, William McDougal 
publisher, ceases ; but former asserts he will later revive it, 

April 7. 

Merchants' Insurance Company of the City of Albany incorporates,, 
with Charles E. Bleecker president, April 7. 

Merchants' Insurance Co. organizes, Thos. Herring, president, 

April 12. 

Common Council directs the chamberlain to purchase 1,000 gallons 
of oil for lighting the city at 36 cents per gallon of T. & J. 
Russell, April 19. 

Common Council petitioned to erect a weighing house on State 
street between Green and Broadway (Market st.) that farmers 
may weigh hay and shelter teams while trading in town, 

April 19. 

Solomon Southwick resumes publishing the National Democrat op- 
posite the Fly Market, April 20. 

Lewis Aspinwall starts a bell foundry at No. 18 Beaver st., 

April 27. 

The Circus, Green and Division streets, sold at auction. May 3, 

Notice given of consolidation of useful art societies that will be 
known as The Albany Institute, May 3. 

The Albany Institute formed, with Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer 
president. The Society for the Promotion of Useful Arts 
having consolidated with the Albany Lyceum of Natural His- 
tory, the latter incorporated in 182,^. resolved to be known as 



450 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35. 

1824. 

The Albany Institute, upon forming a third department or 
section to cover History and General Literature, the president 
of each of the three sections holding position of vice president 
of the main organization, May 5. 

Mrs. Susan DeWitt, wife of Surveyor-General Simeon DeWitt, 
dies, May 5. 

Albany County Medical Society announces by resolution full con- 
fidence in vaccination, for smallpox, and endorses the theory. 

May 5. 

Maj. Elias Buel, father of Judge Jesse Buel and a Revolutionary 
soldier, aged 87 years, dies, May 12. 

Citizens desiring a new theatre meet in the "green room" of the 
theatre on Green street to subscribe for shares, June 3. 

Fare to New York reduced to $5 by the North River Steamboat 
Company, operating the Chancellor Livingston, Richmond and 
James Kent, June 24, 

Opposition steamboat line starts, putting on the Olive Branch, which 
causes the fare to drop to $2, until owners of the other line 
secure an injunction to prevent the Olive Branch running, 

June 27. 

Chancellor Sanford decides that the Olive Branch may not run direct 
from New York city to any other city as a trip ; but may sail 
from a port in another state and land at any place in this state. 
This steamboat then made her start at Jersey City and New 
York became a way landing on her trip to Albany, July 9. 

The persons wKo desired a new theatre buy several old buildings on 
So. Pearl street, west side below Beaver street, near Crosby's 
hotel. S. Wilcox owned the property taken, which was 114 
feet deep and had a frontage of 60 feet, ■ July 15. 

Opposition steamboat lines reduce fare to $2 to New York. July 16. 

Legislature convenes for extra session called by Gov. Yates, Aug. 2. 

John Spencer, of John Spencer & Co. dies, aged 44, and Erastus 
Corning, his partner, continues it alone, Aug. 13. 

Common Council directs Aldermen Matthew Gregory and John H, 
Wendell to visit Gen. Lafayette at New York and invite him 
to visit the city as its guest, Aug. 19. 

Steamboat Chief Justice Marshall launched at New York to run 
in conjunction with the Olive Branch, Jersey City to Troy, 

Aug. 21. 

Rev. John Bassett, former pastor of Dutch Reformed Church, aged 
59, dies at Bushwick, L. L, Sept. 3. 

General Lafayette arrives at Albany by steamboat from New York, 
and is accorded a rousing welcome by new faces who knew of 



No. 35. AMBROSE SPENCER. 45 1 

1824. 



his great acts for the Americans during the Revolution as well 
as by those who had seen him on his passing through the city 
when he arrived Oct. 7, 1784, on his way from Fort Stanwix 
and setting out for Boston the next day. Every expression of 
gratitude possible was shown, Sept. 17. 

General Lafayette leaves Albany, Sept. 18. 

Ex-Mayor Philip S. Van Rensselaer dies at his residence, a three- 
story red brick double house at the northeast corner of State and 
Chapel streets, a foremost citizen, given to acts of benevolence 
and promotion of education by every token, one who had been 
the chief executive of the city for more years than any other 
mayor, 19 years, and as such had given universal satisfaction, 

Sept. 25. 

Funeral of Ex-Mayor P. S. Van Rensselaer attended by city officials, 
Common Council and a vast concourse of friends and members 
of organizations with which he had been connected, Sept. 28. 

Charter election for alderman and assistants of the 5 wards, result- 
ing in the success of the entire Republican ticket, Sept. 28. 

Michael Connoway, Revolutionary officer, dies, Oct. 7. 

Charter election, Common Council : John Townsend, Willard 
Walker, I. John Cassidy, Jeremiah Waterman, II. Gilbert F. 
Lush, James Van Ingen, III. Giles W. Porter, Charles D. 
Cooper, IV. James Gibbons, Benjamin Wilson, V. Election, 
Sept. 28; sworn in, Oct. 12. 

Rev. Issac Ferris installed by Second Reformed Dutch Church, 

Oct. 27, 

The first curbstones used in the city introduced by John Maley 
Cuyler, the newly elected alderman, starting along No. Market 
St. (Broadway) from Maiden Lane to Mark Lane (Exchange 
St. ) , October. 

John Gansevoort m^'.le police magistrate by Common Council, 

Oct. 31. 

In the election of a governor, Albany county gives DeWitt Clinton 
a majority of 1,032 over Samuel Young ; in Albany city the vote 
for Clinton, 1,195; for Young, 563; Clinton's majority, 632,. 

Nov. 4. 

Rev. Dr. Neill, former pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, 
made president of Dickinson College, Nov. 11. 

Robert Owen, from Lanark, bound for New Harmony to try in 
America his experiment of a social settlement, passes through 
city, Nov. 17. 

Rev. Michael O'Gorman, lately pastor of St. Mary's (R. C.) Church, 
dies in New York city, Nov. 18. 



452 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35. 

1824-1825. 

State electors meet at Capitol and balloting for president results : 
John Quincy Adams, 26 ; Wm. H. Crawford, 5 ; Henry Clay, 4 ; 
Andrew Jackson, i ; total, 36 ; for vice-president : John C. Cal- 
houn, 2Q ; Nathan Sanford. 7. 

Mechanics' Society property at n. w. corner of Columbia and Chapel 
streets, offered for sale by John Meads, Dec. 23. 

River closed (temporarily) to navigation, Dec. 24. 

Albanians contribute $1,200 towards work of New York State 
Tract Society, which proves six times what the entire state 
raised, Dec. 25. 

The city desiring to pay its indebtedness, the Common Council 
decides by resolution to apply to the Legislature to authorize 
a lottery for the purpose of raising a fund, Dec. 28. 

The comptroller reports that Albany county real estate is valued at 
$6,748,072, and of personal property, $3,438,962, Dec. 29. 

Simeon DeWitt elected president of the Lancaster school, and 
Principal William A. Tweed Dale reports 947 scholars attend- 
ing, Dec. 30. 

Close of term of office of Ambrose Spencer as Mayor, Dec. 31. 



1825. 



Judge Ambrose Spencer unanimously re-elected Mayor of Albany 

at a meeting of the Common Council, and he is sworn in Jan. i. 
DeWitt Clinton inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. i. 

River closes a second time in winter, Jan. 5. 

Population of the city stated as 15,971 at this time, Jan. i. 

Legislature applied to for incorporation of Albany Gas Light Co., 

Jan. 10. 
John A. Lansing, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 76, dies at his home, 

No. ^^] So. Pearl st., at corner Hudson avenue, Jan. 30. 

Erastus Corning, formerly John Spencer & Co., until death of head 

of firm, forms a partnership with John T. Norton, to conduct r. 

general hardware and iron business on east side of Broadway. 

north of State street, March 2. 

John Humphrey leases the Green! )ush ferry of the city at yearly 

rental of $5,900, for term of three years, March 2. 

River open (Government record), March 6. 

Steamboat Richmond first to arrive from New York, March 7. 

Mrs. Laura J. Gilciirist, daughter of Mayor Spencer, aged 22, dies, 

March 13. 




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No. 35. AMBROSE SPENCER. 453 

1825. 

The DeWitt Clinton mammoth siker vases, presented to him by- 
merchants of New York in recog-nition of his successful efforts 
m behalf of making the Erie canal a reality, exhibited at Knick- 
erbocker Hall, March 21. 

Common Council enacts that at public sales no one shall ring a bell 
or cry aloud, or be subject to fine of five dollars, March 21. 

Pludson River Line of steamboats established, putting on the Con- 
stitution, Constellation and Chief Justice Marshall, the Consti- 
tution being built by Brown & Bell of New York, 275 tons, 145 
feet in length, 2^ feet in width, with 42 x 108 inch engine, 

March. 

The Theatre located on the west side of So. Pearl street, south of 
Beaver street, opened for inspection, the cost having been pro- 
vided by subscription among citizens, March 26. 

Kline & Gott's large tobacco house in Middle Lane (James street) 
burns with a loss of $20,000, April 4. 

Commercial Bank chartered, with Joseph Alexander its first presi- 
dent, April 12. 

Stephen Lush, Revolutionary patriot and who was a prisoner in the 
Jersey prison-ship, a legislator and private secretary to George 
Clinton, the first Governor of New York, aged ^2, dies at his 
residence, No. 311 No. Market street (Broadway) deeply 
mourned by all, April 19. 

Legislature adjourns, having passed 328 laws, April 21. 

Lafayette changed from Sand street to Fayette street, April 25. 

Twelve horses used at one time to propel the South ferry, April. 

Common Council appoints Messrs. Cooper, Stevenson, Townsend 
and City Chamberlain to deal with Yates & Mclntyre with the 
view of purchasing their Albany City Lottery company for 
$200,000, May 2. 

The deputy excise officer, Mr. Hochstrasser, reports licensing during 
year past 49 taverns, 209 ordinaries. 53 groceries, 20 victualers 
and 65 cartmen, yielding in fees for license $3,662, May 5. 

Arguments advanced proving the advantages of a railroad if pro- 
pelled by steam power on rails between Albany and Schenec- 
tady, as Troy was becoming a serious business competitor and 
Albany needed some new advantage, as set forth in The Argus, 

May 9. 

Steamboat Commerce built by C. Bergh of Brooklyn, 371 tons, 130 
feet in length, 24 feet broad and engine 16 and 30 x4q in., with 
8 feet depth of hold. May. 

The " Theatre " on west side of So. Pearl street, below Beaver 
street (later Trimble Opera House, then Leland Opera House, 



454 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35. 

1825. 

afterwards Proctor's) opened for the first time by Gilfert play- 
ing " Laugh When You Can " and " Raising the Wind," acted 
by Barrett, Anderson and Spiller, Mrs. Barrett and Mrs. Stone 
to a rapturous audience, May i8. 

Common Council orders Academy and Capitol parks surrounded by 
iron fences about 9 feet high, the thick iron rods stuck into a 
continuous marble base about one foot above sidewalks. May. 

The Pier, authorized by Act of April 5, 1823, completed; length, 
4,400 feet ; breadth, 80 feet ; height, 20 feet ; basin's area, ^2 
acres; capacity, 1,000 canal-boats and 50 larger vessels. May. 

Steamboat Constitution makes first trip. May 26. 

Philip McCready, in the War of 1812 under Maj. Birdsell, wounded 
at Fort Erie and prisoner of war, aged 29 years, dies. May 31. 

Commercial Bank's stock books for a subscription of $300,000, hav- 
ing been open for three days, show on closing over $1,500,000 
had been subscribed, which was more than satisfactory, June 2. 

Antagonism to the new Commercial Bank engendered by those who 
thought the shares of stock subscribed for should have been 
allotted to men of moderate means in business and at a meeting- 
held in the " Old " Capitol to give view to opinions, John S. \ an 
Rensselaer gave his opinion that a law should be passed that 
commissioners in distributing stock should not allot more than 
25 shares to one individual, $25 a share, and if anyone secured 
50 shares he should be guilty of a misdemeanor, and he favored 
organizing another bank, Jtine 10. 

General Lafayette a third time in Albany, coming from the west, 

June II. 

General Lafayette attends church in Albany, June 12. 

General Lafayette leaves for Boston, June 13. 

New stage line opened to Rochester, via Cherry Valley, June 14. 

Steamboat Constitution's boiler bursts when off Poughkeepsie, and 
among the many scalded three die, June 21. 

" Safety barge " Lady Clinton arrives, towed by Steamboat Com- 
merce, a new method to allay the fears of river travelers, the 
Dutch minister a passenger aboard, July i. 

General Lafayette comes to Albany for the fourth time, coming from 
Vermont with the Governor of that state, and escorted from 
Troy by the military. Pie lodges at Crittenden's Hotel (later 
called Congress Hall) at southwest corner of Washington 
avenue and Park Place, (used as the site of ai)i)roach to " New " 
Capitol and park) and at 4 p. m. a dinner is given for hirfi in 
the " Old " Capitol, Elias Kane presiding, Rev. John Chester 
asking tlie blessing. The toasts were: Lafayette, "Albany as 




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No. 35. AMBROSE SPENCER. 455 

1825. 

I have known it, and Albany as it is now ;" Daniel Webster, 
" The State of New York, the National link between the East 
and the West ;" Judge Story, " The Judiciary of New York, 
its past glory set in unclouded brightness ; may its rising sun 
beam in a clear sky ;" Recorder Ebenezer Baldwin, " General 
Lafayette, When our country numbered but three millions of 
citizens, he imposed upon it a national debt, that thirteen mil- 
lions in vain attempt to discharge." He was the honored guest 
and centre of all eyes at the Theatre (So. Pearl street below 
Beaver street) and at midnight went aboard the steamboat Boli- 
var for New York, July i. 

Rev. Dr. John Chester delivers address at first annual meeting of 
The Albany Institute, Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer presiding, 
held in Albany Academy, July i. 

Independence Day oration by Henry G. Wheaton, Salem Dutcher, 
reader, and a military parade, July 4. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer given a public banquet at Detroit, 
Alderman Rowland's toast : " General Van Rensselaer, our es- 
teemed guest; on the banks of the Miami and the Heights of 
Oueenstown his blood flowed with no stinted tide ; may the 
gratitude of his country flow as freely," July 12. 

Obadiah Van Benthuysen's wife, Johannah, aged 75, dies, July ly. 

Pier lots sold at auction under an elaborate canopy topped by flags, 
the cost of construction having been $130,000, the sale was most 
gratifying as all but the one reserved, numbering 122, ranging 
from $1,200 to $2,625, brought $199,410, July 27. 

New Steamboat Saratoga, built by North River Co., arrives, 

July 27. 

New steamboat Swiftsure, Captain Stocking, arrives for first time, 
towing the " safety barge " Lady Van Rensselaer, July. 

Steamboat Constellation, Capt. Robert G. Crittenden, built by 
Albanians, makes her first appearance at the dock, and is greatly 
admired for the elegance of her fittings, Aug. 7. 

" The Albany Patriot and Daily Commercial Intelligencer," being 
the second city issued daily, first published by George Galpin, 

Aug. 8. 

Dr. Barent P. Staats' wife, Maria, aged 24, dies, Aug. 16. 

Steamboat Constitution, Captain Bartholomew, built by Brown & 
Bell of New York city, 275 tons, 145 feet long, 27 feet broad, 
42 X 108 in. engine, makes her first appearance since explosion 
in June, Aug. 16. 

The Shakers at Niskayuna at this time number 265 souls, being 112 
males and 153 females, of whom 4 are heads of the families, 74 



456 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35. 

1825. 

entitled to vote, 13 aliens, 3 colored race, and their property- 
consists of 899 acres of improved land, 22 horses, 475 sheep; 
their produce consisting among other things of 1,450 yards of 
fulled cloth, 1,945 yards of flannel and 4,464 yards of linen and 
cotton made during past year, as shown by returns of census 
marshal, Aug. 16. 

Award made for building a new alms-house to Fassett & Halen- 
bake for $9,875, Aug. 22. 

Major Edward L'umpston, a Revolutionary soldier who had been 
directed by Lafayette to execute the duties of adjutant-general 
and a former Albanian, burial with military honors, dies at 
Auburn, jz, Aug. 22. 

Steamboat New London commences running to New York, and 
because of the horror of iron boilers, hers were said to be of 
copper, Aug. 26. 

Dr. Samuel Dexter, aged 69, dies at his residence, 57 State street, 

Aug. 29. 

Prison Discipline Society organized at Knickerbocker Hall, with 
Samuel M. Hopkins its first president, Sept. 3. 

John Gates, who accompanied Arnold through the wilderness to 
Quebec, and also a fighter at Saratoga, aged 74, dies, Sept. 9. 

Meeting held at " Old " Capitol to prepare for celebration of the 
opening of the Erie canal, Col. Elisha Jenkins presiding, 

Sept. 14. 

Steamboats ruiming to New Vork at this time : Bristol, Capt. 
Young; Chancellor Livingston, Capt. Lockwood ; Chief Justice 
Marshall, Capt. Sherman ; Constellation, Capt. Crittenden ; Con- 
stitution, Capt. Ricketson ; Henry Eckford, Capt. Drake ; Hud- 
son, Capt. Brooks ; James Kent, Capt. T. Wiswall ; Olive Branch, 
Capt. Moore ; Richmond, Capt. Cochrane ; William Penn, Capt. 
Fountain, Sept. 17. 

Charter election for aldermen and assistants of the 5 wards, 

Sept. 2^. 

Masonic pageant of unusual brilliance in honor of the installation of 
Stephen A"an Rensselaer as Grand Master to succeed DeWitt 
Clinton, Sept. 29. 

Charter election. Common Council: John Townsend, Isaac Den- 
niston, L John Cassidy, Jacob J. Lansing, H. Gilbert F. Lush, 
Herman V. Llart, HL Charles D. Cooper, Welcome Esleeck, 
IV. James Gibbons, Francis L Bradt, V. Election, Sept. 27; 
sworn in, Oct. 11. 

Common Council names Aldermen Denniston, Cassidy, Esleeck, Cos- 
tigan and Lush to prepare celebration for opening of the Erie 
canal, Oct. 17. 




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No. 35. AMBROSE SPENCER. 457 

1825. 



Gov. De Witt Clinton issues a proclamation, believed to be the first 
of its kind, to observe a day of public thanksgiving, Oct. i8. 

Albany Argus begins to publish daily, Oct. i8. 

Erie canal completed from Lake Erie to the Hudson river, entire 
route, and the first canal-boat to essay the journey, lake to river, 
the Seneca Chief, leaves Buffalo, Oct. 26. 

First canal-boat to go west, " Benjamin Wright," arrives at Bufifalo, 

Oct. 29. 

Erie canal's first boat, Seneca Chief, arrives at Albany, with the 
governor, lieutenant-governor. Mayor Spencer and other dig- 
nitaries aboard. It was acclaimed all along the route, and in 
the morning as it approached Albany its coming was made 
known some time before by the booming of cannon. At 10 157 
it passed through the first lock into the Albany basin, which was 
as a bay of the river. Immediately a series of cannon reaching 
from Albany to New York took up the message, and at 1 1 :5^ 
the return of the announcement was fired at this city. At 11 
a. m. the local celebration began with a procession of mammoth 
proportions, the city gaily decorated throughout, Francis I. 
Bradt, marshal. On its reaching the capitol special services 
were held, consisting of an ode written by John Augustus Stone, 
sung, and addresses by Philip Hone of New York, William 
James, chairman of the Citizens' committee, and Lieut. -Gov. 
Tallmadge. After these exercises a collation was served at the 
Columbia street bridge to the Pier, elaborately decorated, and 
at night a grand ball at Knickerbocker Hall, at which all the 
fashion and wealth of the city and from around about were 
gathered, Nov. 2. 

Miss Kelly, looked upon as the greatest stellar attraction in theatri- 
cal lines at this time, appears in " The Belle's Stratagem," as 
" Letitia Hardy," at The Theatre, Nov. 7. 

John Gansevoort resigns as police magistrate and John O. Cole 
unanimously elected to succeed him, Nov. 14. 

St. Peter's Church lottery drawing takes place, Nov. 17. 

Canal frozen for the first time, Nov. 18. 

Col. Peter Schuyler, nephew of Gen. Philip Schuyler, who entered 
the army at age of 18 as ensign and distinguished himself under 
Wayne, dies at Natchez, whither he had removed and became 
Mississippi's state treasurer, aged 48. Nov. 20. 

Announcement made to the public at the next session of the Legisla- 
ture application would be made for right to construct a rail line 
to be operated by steam to Schenectady from this city, or else 
to Troy, if deemed advisable, Nov. 22. 



458 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35. 

1825. 

Circus Building- being erected on site of the old brewery on No. 
Pearl street by a Mr. Parsons, building 66 x iii feet, Nov. 30. 

John Vernor, deputy commissary of military stores during the Revo- 
lution, aged 80, dies at his home on No. Market street (Broad- 
way), opposite the state arsenal, Dec. i. 

Kean, the great tragedian, tirst appears here, acting " Richard III " 
before a large refined audience, Dec. 5. 

John T. Norton elected president of the F"ire department, Dec. 12. 

Censvis returns show population of city 15,971 and of the entire 
county 42,821, Dec. 15. 

Rev. Hooper Gumming, former pastor of Third Presbyterian 
Church, dies at Charleston, S. C, whither he had gone for his 
health, Dec. 18. 

River closed (Government record), Dec. 23. 

Expiration of the term of Judge Ambrose Spencer as Mayor, 

Dec. 31. 
• • • 

(See No. 36.) 



No. 36. 



Jan. 2, 1826 — Dec. 31, 1826. 
Jan. 1, 1827 — May 23. 1828. 



No. 36. 

JAMES STEVENSON. 

Date of office: (a) January 2, 1826-December 31, 1826. 

(b) January i, 1827-May 23, 1828 (resigned). 
Date of election: (a) January 2, 1826, 
(b) January i, 1827. 
Political party: Whig. 
Vote: (a) Unanimous, 
(b) Unanimous. 
Opponent: (a) None, 
(b) None. 
Vote: (a) None, 
(b) None. 
Total vote: (a) 20. 
(b) 18. 
Date of birth: November 25, 1788. 
Place of birth: Albany. 
Parents: John (S.) and Magdeline Douw. 
Education: Graduate Wilhams, 1807; Yale. 
Residence: No. 146 State street. 
Occupation: Lawyer. 
Religion: Episcopalian. 
Date of death: July 3, 1852. 
Place of death: No. 146 State street. 
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 
Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Resigned ofifice May 23, 1828. Warden of St. Peter's 
Church, 1832-42. Trustee of Albany Boys' Academy. One 
of the first governors of Albany City Hospital. Wealthy, 
zealous in public affairs, a polished gentleman. 




36. JAMES STEVENSON. 
I 826-1828. 
From a photograph made from life, owned in 1904 by his grand-niece, Mrs. 
Augustus H. Walsh, of Albany. 



No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 461 

1826. 

(Continued from No. 35.) 
1826. 



Mayor Ambrose Spencer having declined a re-election, the Common 
Council at a meeting this day elects James Stevenson Mayor, 

Jan. 2. 

Albany Insurance Co. elects Isaiah Townsend president, Jan. 2. 

Merchants' Insurance Co. elects Charles E. Dudley president. 

Jan. 2. 

Edwin Forrest, one of the greatest actors America ever produced 
(born at Philadelphia, March 9, 1806), who had made his debut 
upon the stage in 1820 in " Douglas," (died there Dec. 12, 
1872), appears in Albany for the first time at The Theatre in 
" Timour the Tartar," Jan. 9. 

River opens temporarily to navigation, Jan. 11. 

Office of street inspector created to have charge instead of Mayor. 

Nathan Sanford resigns as Chancellor and is elected by the Legis- 
lature a U. S. Senator for six years, Jan. 14. 

Gerrit L. Dox and others propose to the Legislature to form a com- 
pany with capital of $250,000 to deepen the west shore channel 
from the island south of the city southward, satisfied that exca- 
vations have proved futile. This was the beginning of an im- 
provement that endured a century, the suggestion resulting in 
the elaborate stone embankments some years later, Jan. 26. 

Judge Conkling. father of U. S. Senator Roscoe Conkling, com- 
mences his first term as the presiding judge of the United States 
Court for this district, located at the Capitol, Jan. 31. 

Thermometer 12 degrees below zero, Feb. i. 

Cooper, great tragedian, makes first appearance here, " Macbeth," 

Feb. 2. 

Dirck L. Vanderheyden, master in chancery and former clerk of the 
Assembly, aged -^J, dies, Feb. 8. 

James Gibbons, long time alderman of 5th Ward, honored for the 
humanity and honesty he ever displayed, dies, Feb. 8. 

The Circus, a building for all sorts of entertainment. No. Pearl 
street, north of Columbia street, opened by its owner. Powers, 
with an equestrian troupe. Burton, Gates and West, famous at 
this time, followed by comedy acts, Feb. 14. 

Grand jury raises a purse of $19.50 for the benefit of debtors they 
found confined in the jail, Feb. 18. 

River open to navigation, Feb. 26. 



462 JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36. 



1826. 



Ebenezer Baldwin having" resigned as City Recorder, Jame!r 
McKown is appointed to the position, March 3. 

John N. Quackenbush, a prominent citizen, elected alderman of the 
5th ward, in place of James Gibbons, deceased, March 7. 

Common Council orders the bell of the South Dutch Church, south 
side of Beaver street, west of Green, to be rung at noon and 8 
p. m., ]\Iarch 8. 

Bill before the Assembly to permit construction of a railroad to be 
operated by steam power between Albany and Schenectady, to 
be known as the Mohawk & Hudson railroad, is discussed vigor- 
ously, Mr. Lush arguing to change that part which allowed the 
eastern terminal to be at any point along the river within three 
miles north or south of the city, he being the Albany member 
and fearing that if located away from the city speculators might 
secure the land and erect a city to rival Albany. Mr. Hoffman 
asserted he did not see why the interests of Albany were para- 
mount to those of the state, and he hoped nothing would prevent 
the experiment in America, at so advantageous a locality, of 
making a road run by steam power. The Lush amendment lost, 

March 10. 

The large windmill operated by j\Ir. Harris, on the hill just south of 
the capitol, burned. March 12. 

Another discussion over the eastern terminal of the proposed steam 
road, and G. W. Featherstonhaugh writes to Mayor Stevenson 
to use his influence in aiding passage of the incorporating act. 
citing that it requires a day to convey goods to Schenectady, 
whereas by a steam train it is promised to make the trip in 
three hours, setting forth : " In truth, this is an experiment to 
test the fact whether this economical mode of transportation will 
succeed in this country." March 13. 

Conway, tragedian, makes first appearance here, in " Hamlet," 

Alarch 17. 

Mohawk & Hudson railroad incorporated by the Legislature ; capital 
$300,000, provided it is constructed within six years, the incor- 
poration to endure fifty years. March 27. 

Hope Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., instituted, April 24. 

Tragedian Forrest given a benefit at The Theatre, Hyatt playing 
" Richard HI " and Forrest " Buckingham," later events in 
their lives proving the absurdity of Forrest receiving a benefit 
by Hyatt, " April 28. 

Joseph Henry enters the employ of the Albany Academy, as pro- 
fessor of mathematics, taking the place of Michael O'Shaugh- 
nessy, April 28. 



No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 463 



1826. 



Application made to constitute Albany a port of entry, brought about 
by the government collector at New York, Jonathan Thompson, 
holding the Enterprise, a schooner with cargo for Albany, de- 
siring to remove the cargo for weighing. May 2. 

Common Council meets to elect a city clerk according to the new 
law, the clerk formerly acting also for the county, and Lawrence 
L. Van Kleek receives 8 votes, as incumbent of the dual position, 
and Paul Hochstrasser 8 ; but Mayor Stevenson casts a vote for 
the former and he is declared elected. May 8. 

Steamboat Sun. Capt. H. Drake, advertises to make the trip to New 
York by daylight, and so starts at 6 a. m., May 12. 

Yates & Mclntyre agree to manage the Albany Lottery and pay the 
city for five years $48,159 annually, amounting to $240,795, 
while the valuation of city property forming the basis of the 
lottery was $254,395, the plan being to pay off the city debt of 
$250,000 by the lottery, and both parties agreed, May 15. 

Commercial Bank organized. May 23. 

Common Council receives petition to continue Lodge street north- 
ward through Steuben street. May 29. 

Common Council decrees that for everv loaf not stamped with 
baker's initials and the weight he shall be fined 25 cents. 

Steamboat Sun arrives from New York in 12 hours, 13 minutes, 
mcluding 13 landings, and people marvel at the great speed, 

June 6. 

Common Council authorizes First Presbyterian Church to stretch 
chains across So. Pearl street and Store Lane during the Sab- 
bath, June 12. 

Mohawk & Hudson railroad stock subscription books opened, and 
eagerly subscribed by citizens, June 26. 

State Street House, south side of State street and three doors east 
of So. Pearl st., opened by a French copperplate engraver 
named Louis Lemet, who tastily furnished the place, June 26. 

Common Council applied to bv trustees of African Baptist Church 
who desired a permit to raise funds, but matter laid on table 
because of a desire to investigate as the last time this was al- 
lowed the same trustees spent the funds raised on hot suppers, 

June 26. 

Mayor lays before the Common Council draft of law creating the 
office of street inspector, June 26. 

3emi-Centennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 
observed by an unusually large parade, which passed to the 
'■' old " Capitol, where Richard Varick DeWitt read that docu- 
•■^lent and T. Atwood Bridgen delivered the oration, whereupon 



464 JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36. 

1826. 

all the militia companies were invited to drink of " Corporation 
Punch," and banquets at several of the inns and taverns, 

July 4- 

News of the deaths of ex-President John Adams (b. at Quincy, 
Mass., on Oct. 30, 1735, and President in 1796) at Quincy, 
Mass.. and of ex-President Thomas Jefferson (b. at Shadwell, 
Va., on x\pril 2, 1743, and the 3rd President, 1801-1809) at 
Monticello, Va., both on the same day, July 4th, received in 
Albany by steamboats Sun and Kent, July 9. 

A novelty on the canal, the sloop St. Clair from Mackinac for New 
York, with masts unshipped, arrives in tow of a steamboat, 

July 21. 

National Observer first published by Solomon Southwick, July 25, 

Proposition before Common Council to cut Eagle street through 
from Lancaster street to Lydius street (Madison ave.) July 25. 

Steamboat Sandusky makes her first appearance, July 30. 

Albanians pay tribute to memory cf ex-Presidents John Adams and 
Thomas Jefferson, who died on July 4th, uniting in the largest 
procession ever undertaken here, formed at the " Old " Capitol 
and marching to Second Presbyterian Church, where Judge 
Duer delivers a eulogy, July 31. 

Daily Chronicle first published by Chas. Galpin and M. M. Cole, 

August 2. 

The Cohoes Company to supply water to factories, running by small 
canal cut in slate rock from the Mohawk above Falls, organ- 
ized, August, 

Common Council decides that finances will not permit pui chase of 
clock to be placed in South Dutch Church west side Beaver st., 

August 21. 

Joseph Henry delivers a public address upon beginning his duties 
as the professor of mathematics at the Albany Academy, 

Sept. II. 

Waterworks Company seeking a supply for city by boring at junc- 
tion of the Schenectady and Cherry Valley turnpikes, Sept. 15. 

Alms-house, costmg $14,000, completed and open to inspection, 
Kenry W. Snyder the architect, 123 occupants, Sept. 2C. 

Charter election for aldermen and assistants of the 5 wards, 

Sept. 26. 

Brewers Boyd & McCulloch. So. .Ferry street having bored 294 
feet for water without success strike sup]ily of sulphuretted 
hydrogen, Sep, 28. 

Charter election. Common Council : John Townsend, Isaac Den- 
niston, T. John Cassidy, Daniel McGlashan, II. Richard S. 




HENRY'S ALBANY HOME. 

Prof. Joseph Henry became teacher of the natural sciences at the Albany Academy 
on Sept. II, 1826, and resided at No. 105 Columbia st. (Middle one in Picture.) 
It was taken down in 1808. 



No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 465 

1826-1827. 

Treat, Andrew Kirk, IIT. Welcome Esleeck, Moses Kenyon, 

IV. John N. Quackenbush, John I.. Winne, V. Election, Sept. 

26; sworn in, Oct. 10. 

Common Council petitioned by Hugh Robinson and others to change 

the name of Dock to Dean street, Oct. 30. 

Law passed changing Dock street to Dean street in honor of Capt. 

Stewart Dean, famous deceased navigator to foreign ports, 

Nov. 6. 
Common Council considers raising the vast area of low ground 

between So. Pearl street and the river, south of So. Ferry St., 

Nov. II. 
Common Council decides to pave Howard, Eagle to Lodge street, 

Dec. II. 
Common Council determines by resolution that plat of ground known 

as Delaware Square, on expiration of term of occupant, be 

hereafter a public square of the city, Dec. 18. 

Common Council decides to appoint a forester and names Jeremiah 

Cutler, with salary of $25 monthly, Dec. 18. 

River closed (Government record) to navigation, Dec. 24. 

Canal report for the season shows 12,856 boats had arrived and 

departed, tolls collected amounting to $120,354.12, Dec. 30. 

End of the term of Mayor James Stevenson, Dec. 31. 



1827. 



James Stevenson unanimously re-elected Mayor of Albany by the 
Common Council, casting 18 votes, Jan. i. 

DeWitt Clinton inaugurated Governor of New York, Nathaniel 
Pitcher as Lieut.-Governor, for two years, Jan. i. 

Unusually cold month, thermometer 18 degrees below zero, Jan. 21. 

Meeting in Knickerbocker Hall to organize the Athenaeum, an im- 
portant literary establishment. Chandler Starr, chairman, 160 
enrolling and paying $1.25 each, Jan. 20. 

William Mascraft appointed city superintendent, Philip Hooker 
having declined, Jan. 22. 

Law passed to pave No. Pearl State to Columbia street, Feb. 12. 

Butchers of Albany contribute 53 barrels of beef for Greeks, Feb. 15. 

Philip P. Van Rensselaer, aged 44, dies at Cherry Hill residence, 
just south of the city line, Feb. 17. 

City purchases trom Dutch Church land adjoining the Watering 
Place at Steamboat Square, providing that a space 45 feet broad 
be kept open from Broadway to river to allow cattle to water, 

Feb. 19. 



466 JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36. 

: « 

1827. 

Liteiary Department of Albany Athenaeum opened with Paul Hoch- 
strasser acting as librarian, Feb. 20. 

Gen. Philip Schuyler's will (made June 20, 1803, and died ^Albany 
Nov. 18. 1804) admitted to probate, March 2. 

Common Council condemns project to pave a road from Albany to 
Gibbonsville (West Troy, later Watervliet) with macadam, 

March 6. 

Common Council decides in favor of selling land along the river 
south of the South Ferry as much of it is under water at times 
of high tides or freshets, March 12. 

Dr. Elias Willard, aged 71, (b. Harvard, Mass., Jan. 1756) a sur- 
geon during the Revolution, first at hospitals of Boston and then 
at White Plains, German Flats and Ticonderoga, dies, 

March 20 

River closed (Government record) to navigation, March 20 

John V. Henry and James McKown dissolve law partnership, the 
former taking Peter Seton Henry as a partner, March 30 

Steamboat .Sun put on by the Hudson River Line, Captain Living- 
ston, April II 

Charles Gould, son of late Thos. Gould, 25, dies in New York, 

April 13 

Steamboat Albany, put on about this time, in trying to " go through 
by daylight " breaks down about her piston-rod ; built by J 
Vaughn of Philadelphia; 298 tons, 212 ft. long, 26 ft. broad 
9 ft. deep, 65 X 108 in. engine, April 19 

John Meads forms partnership with William Alvord in cabinet- 
making and they receive recognition at fairs for excellence. 

May I. 

John Whipple fatally shot at 10 o'clock at night while at his home 
in Cherry Hill, just south of city line, by Jesse Strang, the 
former seated within and writing, the latter outside the window. 
At the time he was executing a large contract on the Delaware 
& Hudson canal and was a most estimable citizen. May 7. 

Albany Christian Register begins publication by L. G. Hoffman, 
and the Antidote by Solomon South wick, Webster & Wood, 
printers. May. 

Steamboat Victory built by Kenyon & Hand of this city, launched 
at the South Ferry where she had been constructed, the interior 
woodwork superior to anything seen executed by John Meads, 
engine by Rirbeck & Co. of New York, Capt. Sanford Cobb, 

May 19. 

The Standard, a weekly, first published by Matthew Cole, May 22. 



No. 36. JAMES STEVEXSOX. 467 

1827. 

Common Council, following- the example of the citizens, holds a 
meeting to consider establishing a market at the Watering 
Place, or Steamboat Square, with strong arguments on both 
sides, May 28, 

Albany Exchange Association organized, May 30. 

Common Council having decided on securing a ferry to be operated 
by steam, as urged by John Townsend at its last meeting. Alder- 
man Gibbons moves to reconsider and tries to prove that pro- 
pulsion by a horse working a treadle is more economical than 
steam was likely to prove. Mr. Townsend's proposition was 
sustained, Jtine 6. 

John L. Winne proposes to Common Council that Independence 
Day be kept with a religious spirit and that parades be aband- 
oned, June 6. 

St. Peter's Church vestry advertises for sale the lots bounded by 
Eagle, Maiden Lane and Pine street, site of City Hall, June 19. 

Steamboat Independence makes her first appearance and is admired 
for her superior elegance ; Hudson River Line, Captain Wm. 
J. Wis wall, June 25. 

Those of African descent at Albany celebrate emancipation befitting 
the event, the law becoming operative in New York state that 
was enacted on March 17, 1817, bargaining that every negro, 
mulatto or mustee in the state, born before July 4, 1799, should 
be free from and after July 4, 1827, July 4. 

Steamboat North America arrives for the first time ; built by William 
Capes, New York city (IMunsell's Annals, Vol. IX, p. 157 gives 
Stevens) 497 tons, 218 feet long. 30 feet broad and 8 feet depth, 
(2) 30x72 in. engine, (Munsell 175 feet long), Capt. Cochran, 

July 2T,. 

Trial of Jesse Strang for the killing of John Whipple at his Cherry 
Hill home (south of city line) on May 7th, begim at a special 
term of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, held at the " Old " 
Capitol before Judge Duer, the commission consisting of Judge 
William A. Duer, Alayor Stevenson, Recorder James McKown 
and Aldermen Richard S. Treat and Welcome Esleeck. The 
room is thronged. The murdered man's widow, Elsie D. 
Whipple, is also arraigned as an accomplice, it being thought 
that she had an attachment for Strang. Counsel for Strang, 
Calvin Pepper and J. T. Oakley; Edward Livingston, district- 
attorney assisted by S. A. Foote, July 25. 

Jury finds Jesse Strang guilty of the murder of John Whipple on 
May 7th, after deliberating but a few minutes, July 27. 

James Caldwell's wife, Elizabeth, aged y:^,, dies July 29. 



468 JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36. 

1827. 

I\Irs. John Whipple, wife of the murdered man, placed on trial as an 
accomplice of Jesse Strang who was pronounced guilty on 27th ; 
defended by Abraham \'an Vechten, Elisha Williams and Azor 
Taber, Jwly 30. 

Mrs. John Whipple found not guilty of being accomplice in murder 
of her husband on May 7th, jury not leaving their seats, al- 
though the universal opinion at the time happened to be that 
she was connected with the fatal shooting, Aug. 3. 

Judge Duer sentences Jesse Strang to be hanged, Aug. 4. 

Steamboats Ohio and DeWitt Clinton put on during summer. 

The Comet first published at office of Daniel McGlashan, Aug. 4. 

Steamboat Victory, built at the South Ferry docks by Moses Kenyon 
& Hand, 143 feet long, 25 feet broad, 9 feet deep, 310 tons, 
Capt. Sanford Cobb, the first boat furnished with piano, makes 
her first trip, regarded as the finest steamboat afloat, Aug. 18. 

John Robinson, foremost merchant for years, with business at n. w. 
corner Broadway and State St., dies at his residence. No. 34 
Dean St., aged 88 years, Aug. 24. 

Hanging of Jesse Strang who murdered John Whipple at his Cherry 
Hill home on May 7th, draws immense crowds to see the execu- 
tion which takes place according to the custom in the open, 
the gallows being built in the Hudson street (avenue) ravine 
not far above Eagle street. Rev. Wm. B. Lacey of St. Peter's 
Church prayed with him on the scafifold and the rope drop cut 
by Sherifif Conrad A. Ten Eyck. Crowds came to town at sun- 
rise, no less than 1,100 vehicles coming from the north were 
counted, and about as many from other directions. It was the 
last public execution in the city, Aug. 24. 

Steamboat Emerald, Capt. R. G. Livingston, commences running. 

Aug. 24. 

Steamboat Independence lowers record from New York ; 1 1 hours, 

Sept. 5. 

Charter election. Common Council : John Townsend, Isaac Den- 
niston, I. John Cassidy, Daniel McGlashan, II. Richard S. 
Treat, Andrew Kirk, III. Welcome Esleeck, Moses Kenyon, 
IV. John L. Winne, John N. Ouackenbush, V. Election, 
Sept. 25 ; sworn in, Oct. Q. 

G. V. S. Bleecker's wife. Margaret, aged 38, dies, Oct. 10. 

The 27th Regiment (later the 7th Regiment of New York city) 
encamps for one week at Bull's Head Tavern on Troy Road. 

Philanthropic Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., instituted, Nov. 7. 

John Knickerbocker, aged 76, dies at Schagticoke, and on same date 
one year previous, same hour and moment, his wife died, 

. Nov. 10. 



No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 469 

1827-1828. 

St. Paul's Church on So. Ferry st., organized, Nov. 12. 

John T. Norton, Jared L. Rathbone, Edward C. Delavan, Rufus H. 
King, Chandler Starr, James Goold and others announce inten- 
tion of applying to next Legislature to incorporate the Canal 
Bank, capitalizing at $500,000, Nov. 21. 

River closes to navigation (Government record), Nov. 25. 

St. Mary's (R. C.) Church trustees petition the Common Council 
for an additional plat of land, adjoining present edifice, intend- 
ing to erect a new church, Dec. 10. 

Robinson's corner, merchandise store, n. w. corner State and Broad- 
way, sold at auction for $33,500 to Thorpe & Sprague in order 
to build there a handsomer place for their stage coach line 
station, Dec. 17. 



1828. 



Common Council petitioned by John S. Van Rensselaer and others 
to pave State street from " Old " Capitol west to Lark St., 

Jan. 7; 

Albany Steamboat Association, owning the Victory, at a directors' 
meeting, decide to construct another steamboat, give Capt. 
Sanford Cobb of the old boat command, appointing Thomas 
Wiswall captain of the Victory, which was launched last year, 

Jan. 14. 

Steamboat Saratoga arrives from New York, but hastens away in 
an hour, the river freezing shut, Jan. 20. 

River closed to navigation, Jan. 21. 

Captain McDonald, aged 55, dies, Jan. 24. 

River open to navigation (Government record), Feb. 8. 

Gov. DeWitt Clinton dies at his residence, s. e. corner of No. Pearl 
and Steuben street, greatly mourned, aged 59 years, Feb. 11. 

Nathaniel Pitcher assumes reins of state government, Feb. 11. 

Military funeral of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, one of the most beneficial 
executives the state enrolls in its history, an indefatigable worker 
and chief promoter of the building of the Erie canal, Feb. 15. 

Solomon Southwick nominated for Governor by Batavia citizens, 

Feb. 2y. 

Lieutenant-Governor Tayler presides at a meeting, John F. Bacon 
acting as secretary, at which it is urged that citizens boycott 
on week-days those stages, hacks and other vehicles operating 
on Sunday; this also was made to include steamboats and all 
vessels, and 60 signed, Feb. 29. 



470 JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36. 

1828. 



George Vernon, from Theatre Royal, London, assumes management 
of The Theatre on So. Pearl street, March 18. 

Common Council directs the city attorney to prepare a law that 
Frelinghuysen street may be changed to Franklin, March 24. 

Common Council, on petition of John S. Van Rensselaer, directs 
that the small street running diagonally from Hudson street 
to Liberty, be named Diagonal, March 24. 

John W. Yates, first cashier of New York State Bank, graduate of 
Columbia in 1787, student for bar, 24 years cashier, aged 58, 
dies, March 29. 

Common Council changes name of Frelinghuysen to Franklin st., 

March 31. 

Clara Fisher, celebrated actress, at Theatre, " Maid of Milan," 

April 9. 

Cornelius Brower, who resided on site of Female Academy on west 
side of No. Pearl st., north of Maiden Lane, aged 90, dies, 

April 13. 

Many women busily engaged in making clothing for the Greeks 
fighting to overthrow the Turkish rule, April 16. 

Largest fire in years, starting in bell foundry of Lewis Aspinwall, 
on south side of Beaver, midway So. Market (Broadway) to 
Green st., and burning several buildings through to Hudson st., 
$40,000, April 17. 

Gerrit Yates Lansing, alderman, resigns on leaving the city, 

April 22. 

Drs. J. Eights and S. S. Treat form partnership. May i. 

Enthusiastic meeting of citizens crowds the Athenaeum to organize 
plans for a monument to the late DeWitt Clinton, Judge Will- 
iam A. Duer presiding, and Peter Gansevoort its secretary, 
expecting to raise funds by subscription committee; but (as 
common experience in Albany when a monument to a great 
man is in view) nothing came of it, May 5. 

Election for supervisors and assessors, and Gerrit Gates elected 
alderman in the 3rd Ward to replace Gerrit Y. Lansing, who 
had left the city. May 6. 

Daniel Skinner, of firm Webster & Skinners, printers, dies at Hart- 
ford, Conn., May 12. 

Sale of lots in the low land south of So. Ferry street, much of 
time under water, nearly one hundred sold, bringing $21,000, 

May 13. 

Nathaniel S. Skinner's Mansion House, No. 402 No. Market street 
(Broadway) secured by Sidney Chapin and Hugh Cruikshank 
and named City Hotel, May 16. 




PRINTING BY PRIMITIVE METHODS. 

Type of press to which steam power was applied in 1828 by Packard & Van 
Benthuysen (n. w. cor. Green and Beaver sts.), on which the " Temperance 
Recorder " was printed, and beHeved the earhest appHcation in America of 
steam power to a printing-press. (From original wood-cut owned by Charles 
Van Benthuysen & Sons, est'd 1807.) 



No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 



1828. 



47 i 



Building at n. e. corner No. Market (Broadway) and Steuben 
streets, recently used as the Post-ofifice, fitted up by Samuel 
Fuller and named by him Clinton Hotel, May 19. 

To the mortification of citizens who cherished the memory of the 
late Gov. DeWitt Clinton, the sheriff advertises the sale of 
all his property, May 23, 

Mayor James Stevenson sends his resignation to the Common 
Council, on the ground that pressure of his business demands it, 

May 23. 
• • • 



(See No. 34.) 



No. 37. 



Feb. 9. 1829 — Dec. 31. 1829. 
Jan. 1, 1830 — Dec. 31, 1830. 

Jan. 1, 1832 — Dec. 31, 1832 



No. 37. 
JOHN TOWNSEND. 

Date of office: (a) FelM'urary 9, 1829-December 31, 1829. 

(b) January i, 1830-December 31, 1830. 

(c) January i, 1832-December 31, 1832. 
Date of election: (a) wSucceeded Dudley, resigned. 

(b) December 21, 1829. 

(c) December 29, 1831. 
Political party: Whig. 

Vote: (a) Unanimous. 

(b) Unanimous. 

(c) Unanimous. 

Date of birth: June 14, 1783. 

Place of birth: Sterling, N. Y. 

Parents: Henry (T.) and Mary Bennett. 

Education: Popular. 

Married to: Abby Spencer (daughter of 35th Mayor). 

Date: July 7, 1810. 

Children: (13) Laura Spencer, Ambrose Spencer, Mary, Theo- 
dore, John Henry, Catherine Clinton, Julia, Julia Isabella, 
Theodore, Abby Eliza, John, Marianna, Edward. 

Residence: No. 142 State street. 

Occupation: Iron founder and merchant. 

Religion: Presbyterian. 

Date of death: August 26, 1854. 

Place of death: No. 142 State street. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: During cholera plague, 1832, was indefatigable to check 
it, and was highly esteemed therefor. Organized Albany 
Insurance Company. President National Commercial Bank. 
Incorporator and Vice-President Albany Savings Bank. 
Adviser of DeWitt Clinton in canal matters. President of 
Albany Exchange Company. President of Water Com- 
mission. 




Z7- JOHN TOWNSEND. 
1S29-1S32. 
From a photograph made by Albany Art Union of the oil painting by 
Alexander, owned m 1904 by his son, Theodore Townsend, of Albany. 



No. yj- JOHN TOWNSEND. 



475 



1829. 



(Continued from No. 34) 
1829. 



John Townsend becomes Mayor of Albany, receiving the unanimous 

vote of 18 ballots by the Common Council, Mayor Charles E. 

Dudley having resigned the office on January 19th in order to 

become United States Senator from New York, and the two 

ballotings at the Common Council meeting of February 2nd 

having been 10 for Townsend and 10 for Bloodgood ; but the 

latter within the week sent a letter declining to be a candidate 

at the meeting this day, Peb. 9. 

Stages running from New York to Albany on the ice, Feb. 13. 

Proposition to construct a railroad to be operated from Boston to 

the Hudson river at Albany given impetus by the Massachusetts 

Legislature voting 120 to 115 that it was expedient for the 

commonwealth to aid construction In' its funds, Feb. 20. 

Rev. Asa T. Hopkins called to Second Presbyterian Church, 

Feb. 20. 
Estnnate of 42,000 barrels of beer made here, 30,000 exported, 

Feb. 22. 

Dr. r.arent P. Staats elected Alderman of ist Ward in place of 

John Townsend who had become Alayor. Feb. 24. 

]\Iohawk and Hudson railroad advertises for lumber for the road, 

Feb. 25. 

Albany Institute granted a charter, Feb. 2J. 

Firm of Corning & Norton dissolved, March 3. 

Governor Martin Van Buren resigns to become secretary of state 

under President Jackson, March 12. 

Enos T. Throop becomes Governor, March 12. 

John Tayler, former Lieut.-Governor and first president of the 

New York State Bank, aged 87, dies, March 19. 

James Maher, of this city, succeeds Calvin Pepper as State Librarian 

by appointment, March 30. 

John Pruyn, hardware merchant, sells to Lansing Pruyn & Co.. 

March 31. 
Prof. Joseph Henry, instructor in mathematics and the natural sci- 
ences at the Albany Academy since Sept. 11, 1826, devoted his 
spare hours in the fall of 1828 until late each night in produc- 
ing what he termed his " intensity " magnet, the first ever made 
in the world, in order to operate an electric current over a long 
stretch of wire and to be able thus to accomplish what foreign 



4/6 JOHN TOWN SEND. No. 37. 



1829. 



scientists had declared utterly impracticable to solve, the elec- 
tric transmission of signals or an electric telegraph. Then (as 
ever afterward) no electric telegraph would work without it, 
and upon it practically every form of electric propulsion is 
based. As a fact, had this been covered by patent by him, mil- 
lions of machines for various uses throughout the world would 
have been forced to pay him heavy financial tribute. Professor 
Henry's own words are : "After repeating the experiments of 
Oersted, Ampere, and others, and publishing an account in 1828 
of various modifications of electro-magnetic apparatus, I com- 
menced in that year the investigation of the laws of the develop- 
ment of magnetism in soft iron, by means of the electrical 
current. The first idea that occurred to me in accordance with 
the theory of Ampere, with reference to increasing the power 
of the electro-magnet, was that of using a longer wire than had 
before been employed. A wire of sixty feet in length, covered 
with silk, was wound round a whole length of an iron bar, either 
straight or in the form of a U, so as to cover its whole length 
with several thicknesses of wire. The results of this arrange- 
ment were such as I had anticipated, and electro-magnets of this 
kind, exhibited to the Albany Institute in March, 1829. pos- 
sessed magnetic power superior to that of any ever before 
known. The idea afterwards occurred to me that the quantity 
of galvanism, supplied by a small galvanic battery, might be 
applied to develop a still greater amount of magnetic power in 
a large bar of iron. On experiment, 1 found this idea correct. 
A battery of two and a half square inches of zinc developed 
magnetism in a large bar sufficient to lift fourteen pounds. The 
next suggestion which occurred to me was that of using a 
numl)er of wires of the same length around the same bar. so as 
to lessen the resistance which the galvanic current experiences 
in passing from the zinc to the copper through the coil. To 
bring this to the test of experiment, a second wire, equal in 
length to the first, was wound around the last mentioned mag- 
net, and its ends soldered to the plates of the same battery. 
The magnet with this additional wire lifted twenty-eight pounds, 
or, in other words, its power was doubled. A series of experi- 
ments was afterwards made, to determine the resistance to con- 
duction of wires of difterent lengths and diameters, and the 
proper lengths and number of wires for producing, with differ- 
ent kinds of galvanic batteries, the maximum of amount of 
magnetic development with a given quantity of zinc surface. 
For this purpose a bar of soft iron, two inches square an« 




HENRY'S '• INTENSITY ^' MAGNET. 

It was this wonderful discovery by Prof. Henry, in 1829, at the 
Albany Academy, showing how a magnet could be wound with 
insulated wire, that made operation of telegraphs, motors, etc., 
possible. 



No. 37. JOHN TOWNSEND. 477 



1829. 



twenty inches long-, weighing- t went) -one ponnds, and much 
larger than any before used, was bent in the form of a horse- 
shoe. Around this were wound nine strands of copper wire, 
each sixty feet long, the ends left projecting so that one or 
more coils could be used at once, either connected with a battery 
or with each other, thus forming several coils with several 
battery connections, or one long coil with single battery con- 
nections. The greatest effect obtained with this magnet, using 
a battery of a single pair, with a zinc plate of two-fifths of a 
square foot of surface, and all the wire arranged as separate 
coils, w^as to lift a weight of six h.undred and fifty pounds; with 
a large battery the effect was increased to seven hundred and 
fifty pounds. In a subsecjuent series of experiments, not pub- 
lished with the preceding, the same magnet was made to sustain 
one thousand pounds. When a compound battery was em- 
ployed of a number of pairs, it was found that the greatest 
effect was produced when all the ^vires were arranged as a 
single long coil. I subsequently constructed electro-magnets on 
the same plan, wdiich supported much greater weights. The 
above mentioned experiments exhibit the important fact that 
when a galvanic battery of intensity (that is to say, a battery 
consisting of a number of pairs) is employed, the electro-magnet 
connected with it must be wound wdth one long wire, in order 
to reproduce the greatest effect ; and that when a battery of 
quantity (that is, one of a single ])air) is employed, the proper 
form of the magnet connected with it is that in ^vhich several 
shorter wires are wound around the iron. The first of these 
magnets, which is the one now employed in the long or main 
circuit of the telegraph, may be called an intensity magnet ; and 
the second, wdiich is used in the local circuit, may be denomi- 
nated the quantity. The quantity of electricity which can be 
passed through a long circuit of ordinary sized wire is, under 
the most favorable circumstances, exceedingly small, and in 
order that it may develop magnetism in a bar of iron, it w^as 
necessary that it should be made to revolve many times around 
the iron, that its effects may be multiplied ; and this is effected 
by using a long coil. Hence it will be seen that the electro- 
magnet of JNIr. Sturgeon was not applicable to telegraphic pur- 
poses in a long circuit. Previous to making the last experi- 
ments above mentioned, in order to guide myself, I instituted a 
series of preliminary experiments on the conduction of wires 
of different lengths and diameters, wath different batteries. 
* * * After this the battery of a single pair was removed 



4/8 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37. 

1829. 

and its place supplied by one of intensity, consisting of twenty- 
five pairs. With this the important fact was observed, that no 
perceptible diminution of the lifting power took place, when 
the current was transmitted through an intervening wire be- 
tween the battery and the magnet of upwards of one thousand 
feet. This was the first discovery of the fact that a galvanic 
current could be transmitted to a great distance with so little 
diminution of force as to produce mechanical effects, and of the 
means by which the transmission could be accomplished. I saw 
that the electric telegraph was now practicable." March. 

River open to navigation (Government record), April i. 

Citizens organize a state temperance society at the " Old " Capitol, 
Reuben Walworth elected president, April 2. 

A Canadian named Malhiot visits the city, his weight 619 pounds 
and measuring around body 6 ft. 10 in., around leg 3 ft. 4 in., 

April 6. 

Joseph Lancaster, a prominent educator of the day and advocate of 
certain public school systems, visits Albany and lectures at the 
" Old " Capitol on effect of education on nations, April 9. 

Freshet in river higher than any time since 1818 record, April 22. 

1"he city receives $67,500 from Yates & Mclntyre on account of the 
lottery that firm undertook to manage, and the sale of city 
lots, which was applied to reduce the corporation's debt, it 
being the popular opinion that with the expense added the 
following year for the erection of a new city hall it would be 
a generation before the citv debt would be as low again. 

May I. 

Clinton Insurance Co., cajMtal $300,000, incorporated. May 4. 

First city election in which antimasonic candidates figure. May 5. 

Legislature adjourns having passed a law that the citv of Albany 
shall be paid the sum of $17,500 by the state for releasing all 
right and interest in the Capitol building and the park in front 
thereof before the following June ist.. May 5. 

Xew York State Bank elects Francis Bloodgood its (2nd) president, 
by reason of the death of John Tayler, May 13. 

Museum exhibits Susan and Deborah Tripp, born at Freedom, 
Dutchess Co.. former 5 years and 8 months weighing 203 
])ounds. latter 2 years and to months weighing 119 pounds, 

May 15. 

Mrs. Mary Hawkins, famous as the keejx'r of the Alolly Scott tavern 
on Patroon street (Clinton avenue) hill, aged 80, dies. May 21. 

j. & Archibald McClure open drugs and medicines at No. 70 State 
St., J^Iay 23. 



No. ^7. JOHN TOWNSEXD. 479 



1829. 



City engaged erecting public markets on South Pearl st., between 
Howard and Beaver streets and at the Watering Place (Steam- 
boat Square), the latter named Clinton market, May 25. 

Board of supervisors at a special meeting agree to the law passed at 
the last session of the Legislature regarding the purchase of all 
interest in the Capitol and park, and further agree to devoting 
$15,000 towards erection of a county building, May 28. 

Common Council appoints a committee to purchase a site for a 
building to be used for city and county purposes, and selecting 
the land owned by St. Peter's Church, Eagle and Pine streets 
and Maiden Lane, pay $10,259.95 for it when deeds are ready, 

^Liy 28. 

Residents along Columbia street, above Chapel, allowed to fence 
grass plats before their houses by the Common Council, pro- 
vided the line was not carried beyond that east of Chapel street, 

June 8. 

Duffev & Forrest assume management of Pearl Street theatre, 

June 9. 

Second Presbyterian Church calls Rev. Dr. William Buel Sprague 
to pulpit left vacant by death of Rev. Dr. John Chester, 

June 14. 

New steamboat Ohio makes first appearance; 157 feet long, 30 feet 
beam, 9^2 feet hold, bearing 150 berths, Capt. Martin Barthol- 
omew, June 21. 

On closmg the subscription books of the Canal Bank it was found 
that the shares subscribed for in excess numbered 6,488. The 
capital is $300,000 at $20 each, John T. Norton elected presi- 
dent, June 24. 

Independence Day observed by parade, Thos. W. Harman orator, 

July 4- 

High street ordered extended from Lancaster to Hudson st., July 20. 

Common Council having advertised for a competition of architects to 
build the new City Hall, offering an award of $100, the com- 
mittee adopts the cupola and attic windows of Mr. Cutts of 
Boston, and the remainder of the building as designed by Philip 
Hooker of this city, dividing the premium mentioned. July 28. 

Charles Gilbert, who had been the first manager of The Theatre, So. 
Pearl street, while managing the Bowery theatre in New York, 
age 42, dies in that city, July 30. 

The New York Journal of Commerce having published a number 
of trenchant articles affecting seriously the character of Joseph 
Lancaster, the celebrated educator after whom the street and 
Lancastrian School (later the building of the Albany Medical 



480 JOHN TOWXSEND. Xo. 37. 

1829. 



College) are named, lie appeals to his friends in Albany to 
investigate the several charges most searchingly and then either 
blame him or exonerate his name, as it was a matter deeply 
affecting the progress of his educational Work, July 31. 

Prof. Joseph Henry (born at Albany on Dec. 17, 1797, and made 
the teacher of the natural sciences at the Albany Academy on 
Sept. II, 1826) had commenced his studies of electricity during 
his free hours as early as 1827 and in 1828, as described by him 
in a paper read before The Albany Institute in March of 1829, 
had discovered the principle of what he termed his *' intensity " 
magnet. It was one that, for the first time in the world's de- 
velopment, could be operated at any distance by an electric cur- 
rent, and by means of it he could hold a weight of 1,000 pounds, 
when by opening the circuit it would be instantly released and 
would fall. In 1828. he conceived the idea of making a lever 
of metal fall upon something creating sound, such as a bell, and 
thereby transmit signals at a great distance, or in fact to tele- 
graph. His paper on the subject was printed in Silliman's 
American Journal of Science in January, 1831, and refuted the 
idea of the great minds of Europe, notably Barlow of England, 
that the idea of electrically communicating must be abandoned 
because the current was too weak to travel any distance with 
sufficient power to be of service in this way. It remained to put 
his theory into practice, and his words are : " I arranged around 
one of tile upper rooms of the Albany Academy a wire of more 
than a mile in length, through which I was enabled to make 
signals by sounding a bell. The mechanical arrangement for 
effecting this object was simply a steel bar, permanently mag- 
netized, of about ten inches in length, supported on a pivot, and 
placed with its north end between the two arms of a horse-shoe 
magnet. When the Igitter was excited by the current, the end 
of the bar thus placed was attracted by one arm of the horse- 
shoe and repelled by the other, and was thus caused to move in 
a horizontal plane anrl its further end to strike a l)ell suitably 
adjusted." Says A. M. Mayer: "This was the first electro- 
magnetic telegra])h which had worked through so great a length 
of wire; it was the first electro-magnetic telegraph in which an 
electro-magnet had worked successfully ; it was the first ' sound- 
ing ' magnetic telegraph." Henry further says : " In arriving 
at these results, and announcing their applicability to the tele- 
graph, I had not in mind any particular form of telegraph, but 
referred only to the general fact that it was now demonstrated 
that a galvanic current could be transmitted to great distances, 
with sufficient ])o\ver to i)r()ducc mechnnical efi'ects adequate to 




HENRY AND THE TELEGRAPH. 

Prof. Joseph Henry, having discovered his " intensity " magnet applied it 
to operate an electric telegraph and demonstrated its practicability at the 
Albany Academy in 1829. This statue by Sculptor John Flanagan. 






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No. T^y. JOHN TOWNSEND. 481 



1829. 



the desired object. The investigations above mentioned were 
all devised and originated, and the experiments planned, by my- 
self. In conducting the latter, however, I was assisted by Dr. 
Philip Ten Eyck, of Albany. An account of the whole was 
published in the 19th volume of Silliman's Journal, in 183 1." 
He further has this to say regarding his discovery of the tele- 
graph, which is so succinctly stated that the matter becomes 
clear to those unfamiliar with the wonderful discovery at Al- 
bany : " From a careful investigation of the history of electro- 
magnetism in its connection with the telegraph, the following 
facts may be established: i. Previous to my investigations the 
means of developing magnetism in soft iron were imperfectly 
understood, and the electro-magnet which then existed was in- 
applicable to the transmission of power to a distance. 2. I was 
the first to prove by actual experiment that, in order to develop 
magnetic power at a distance, a galvanic battery of intensity 
must be employed to project the current through the long con- 
ductor, and that a magnet surrounded by many turns of one 
long wire must be used to receive this current. 3. I was the 
first actually to magnetize a piece of iron at a distance, and to 
call attention to the fact of the applicability of my experiments 
to the telegraph. 4. I was the first actually to sound a bell at 
a distance by means of the electro-magnet. ='= * - The only 
reward I ever expected was the consciousness of advancing sci- 
ence, the pleasure of discovering new truths, and the scientific 
reputation to which these labors would entitle me. * * * j 
never myself attempted to reduce these principles to practice or 
to apply any of my discoveries to processes in the arts. My 
whole attention was devoted to original scientific investigations, 
and I left to others what I considered in a scientific view of 
subordinate importance, the application of my discoveries to 
useful purposes in the arts. Besides this, I partook of the feel- 
ing common to men of science, which disinclines them to secure 
to themselves the advantages of their discoveries by a patent." 

Mansion built by deceased Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck on Arbor 
Hill, house 44 X 52 feet, lot 292 x 759 feet, sold at auction, and 
IS occupied by Thomas W. Olcott, a banker. Aug. i. 

Common Council decides on laying out Clinton Square, area about 
60 X 200 feet, as a small city park, Auo-. 17. 

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, corner of So. Ferry and Dallius streets! 
consecrated by Bishop Hobart, and at sale of pews (on 25th > 
$3,482 is realized for 16 of them. Aug. 24 

On petition of Isaiah & John Townsend. who purchased the land in 



482 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37. 



1829. 



1807, the Common Council decides to open Jay St., Eagle to 
Hawk. Aug. 24. 

Rev. Dr. \Vm. Buel Sprague installed by 2nd Presbyterian Church, 

Aug. 26. 

City Hall corner-stone laid by JNIayor John Townsend with full 
ceremonial at which a large concourse gathers. He met with 
the recorder and Common Council at the " Old " Capitol, and 
with Architect Hooker and prominent citizens proceeded in 
procession to the site on Eagle st. The stone was in readiness 
at the northeast corner and in the leaden box with a massive 
inscription plate thereon, were placed the City Directory, a copy 
of the Charter and maps, Aug. 31. 

Tearing down of old St. Mary's Church at the n. w. corner of Pine 
and Chapel streets begun, in order to erect the second edifice, 
which was to be replaced about 30 years later by the one in use 
in 1900. This first one was of brick, w^as small, not extending 
half the distance to Lodge street, Sept. 14. 

Justices Court convenes for first time in the new building on So. 
Pearl street, David Hosford, as senior member of the bar, de- 
livering the principal address, Sept. 14. 

John T. Norton's wife, Mary H., aged 2^ , dies, Sept. 21. 

The new Centre Market stalls sell for $158.50 and those of the new 
South Market for $628, Sept. 23. 

Charter election for aldermen and assistants in the 5 Wards, 

Sept. 29. 

Sam Patch, famous for his diving from bridges, stops in this city 
on his way to Niagara, Sept. 30. 

City surveyor submits plans to Common Council for paving Hallen- 
bake (Grand st.) from Hudson street (avenue) to Hamilton 
street, that way never having been in use for street purposes, 

Oct. 5. 

Universalist meeting-house on Herkimer street, (bet. Green and 
Franklin) dedicated, Oct. 11. 

St. Mary's (R. C.) second edifice, northwest corner of Chapel and 
Pine streets, corner-stone laid by Alderman Cassidy, president 
of board of trustees, Oct. 13. 

Charter election, Common Council: Barent P. Staats, Erastus 
Corning, I. John Cassidy, Daniel McGlashan, H. Herman 
V. Hart, Gerrit Gates, HI. James Maher, Lemuel Steele, IV. 
Tames Gibbons, William Stilwell, V. Election, Sept. 29; sworn 
hi, Oct. 13. 

John V. Henry, one of the city's greatest lawyers, falls on the street, 
apoplexy, on October 20th, aged 64, and dies, Oct. 21. 




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No. 2)7- JOHN TOWNSEND. 483. 

1829. 



Frances Wright delivers first lecture before Albany Athenaeum, 

Oct. 22. 

Vault built near Presbyterian burial-ground that bodies might remain 
there a time and guard against dissection. On depositing the 
first body this day, the person in charge returns for something 
and hears a noise within, which thoroughly alarms him ; but 
he opens the portal and calls to the supposed ghost to come 
out, whereupon he is surprised to see a himian being emerge, 
who had remained inside not knowing the iron door was being 
closed upon him. and the sexton's return saved his life, Nov. I. 

Peter Gansevoort, Democrat, elected to the Assembly, Nov. 5. 

Streets illumined at this time by 586 oil lamps, 100 of which held 
half a pint and the others a gill, Nov. 17. 

Steamboats DeWitt Clinton and Mctory sold at auction at New 
York city, the latter having cost $56,000 and her engine $20,000, 
brings $17,000; the Chnton having cost $44,000, and her engine 
$25,000, sells for $5,000, Nov. 17. 

Albany Orphan Asylum opened in a small way, in a building where 
Mrs. Heely cares for eight children, Dec. i. 

St. Vincent's Female Orphan Asylum opened. 

Most rapid transmission of President Andrew Jackson's " Alessage " 
to the Congress which is published in this city in less than two 
days after its reading at the Capitol. By messenger it was 
carried to New York city in 15^ hours, and up the river by the 
steamboat Albany, delivered at noon on Tuesday, printed in 
Albany Daily Advertiser on Thursday morning, Dec. 10. 

Gen. John H. Wendell, 21 years county treasurer, resigns, Dec. 10. 

Sad and mysterious case of Chancellor John Lansing, Jun., the 30th 
Mayor of Albany. Fie was in New York city on important 
business and disappeared so that he was never thereafter heard 
from or his disappearance explained. It is thought that in going 
aboard the steamboat for Albany in the dark he fell into the 
water, or else had been waylaid on his way there. He studied 
law in the office of Robert Yates, (who became chief justice) 
and was closely identified with Gen. Philip Schuyler during the 
Revolution, at which time he was one of the most active mem- 
bers of the state convention that conducted the military opera- 
tions of New York. He was delegated by the state a member 
of the convention that drew up the Constitution of the United 
States. He was last heard of on this day, Dec. 12. 

Council passes ordinance to restore hogs captured at large and for 
not being rmged taken to the Aims-House, Dec. 14. 



484 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37. 

1829-1830. 



Circus property on No. Pearl street, north of Columbia St., ordered 

sold at auction, Dec. 17. 

Superintendent of Aims-House reports 420 inmates, Dec. 20. 

Mayor John Townsend re-elected unanimously by Common Council, 

Dec. 21. 



1830. 



John Townsend begins his second term as Mayor, Jan. i. 

River clear of ice and steamboats running to New York, charging 
only 50 cents for passage ; New Year's callers receiving coffee 
and cake in place of hot drinks and licjuors because of the 
temperance movement sweeping over the state and strong in 
the city, Jan. i. 

Population of the city stated as 24,238, January. 

Population of the State of New York announced as 1,918,608, 

January. 

Slaves in the state at this time number only 75, January. 

Legislature convenes ; Message from Gov. Enos T. Throop read, 

Jan. 5. 

The Albanian, literary paper, semi-monthly, issued for the first time 
by Arthur N. Sherman, Jan. 5. 

Dr. Alden March delivers introductory lecture to his course of 
anatomy, speaking of the urgent necessity of establishing a 
hospital and a medical college in this city, Jan. 11. 

Gov. Lincoln, of Massachusetts, in his Message, urges means to 
establish a railroad operated by steam from Boston to Albany, 

Jan. II. 

River closed for first time since last spring, the Philadelphia coming 
to within 26 miles of city and turning back, Jan. 11. 

Reuben H. Walworth, president, addresses the New York State 
Temperance Society on its first anniversary, in Assembly Cham- 
ber, Jan. 19. 

Estimate by the local temperance society gives 415 taverns and 
groceries selling liquors, 200,000 gallons sold annually in Al- 
bany, 500 habitual drunkards, 4,000 tipplers, 200 deaths by 
intemperance, and v$ioo,ooo expended for liquor during past 
year Jan. 31. 

Thorpe & Sprague's stage leaves the " Marble Pillar," n. w. corner 
of State and Broadway, at 9:20 a. m., 9 passengers, and arrives 
at Utica at 5 135 p. m., traveling in 8 hr. 15 min., including stops, 
at 12 miles an hour throughout. Feb. 6. 







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No. 2>7- JOHN TOWNSEND. 485 



1830. 



Lancaster School (west side of Eagle st.) annual meeting held in 
" Old " Capitol, Archibald Campbell, president, Joseph Henry 
secretary, report 1,300 children instructed during year at ex- 
pense of not more than $1,700; Simeon DeWitt president, 

Feb. 6. 

Rev. Mr. Thompson, the pioneer of Unitarians in Albany, preaches 
first sermon here^ Feb. 21. 

Anti-masonic state convention assembles, Feb. 24. 

Rev. Air. Thompson preaches in " Old " Capitol morning and night, 

Feb. 28. 

Gerrit T. Bradt, superintendent of South Ferry, reports two years' 
receipts as $17,013.96; balance, $12,786.34, Feb. 28. 

Citv Hall building commission reports contracting with Sing Sing 
agent for the marble for $11,500, Feb. 28. 

River open to navigation (Government record), ]\Iarch 15. 

Steamboat Constellation first to arrive here, March 20. 

Albany Evening Journal, edited by Thurlow Weed,, first published, 
by B. D. Packard & Co., March 22. 

Snow falls to depth of 28 inches, overwdielming quantities of pigeons 
which are picked up at Buttermilk Falls in numbers, March 25. 

Farmers', Mechanics' and Workingmen's Advocate first published, 
by McPherson & JMcKercher, April 3. 

Paul Hochstrasser resigns as city clerk and John W. Hyde is ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy by Common Council, April 5. 

Alderman Daniel McGlashan, at times overseer of poor and police 
justice, aged 39, dies April 13. 

Public schools provided for by Legislative act, April 17. 

Legislature adjourns, passing 300 laws, April 20. 

Calvin Edson, known as " Living Skeleton," at IMuseum, age 42 
years, and although 5 ft. 2 in., weight only 60 pounds, 

April 20. 

]\Iechanics & Farmers' Bank declares 50% dividend, April 21. 

Kilian K. Van Rensselaer's wife, Margaretta, aged 66, dies, 

xA.pril 21. 

Explosion aboard steamboat Chief Justice Marshall near Newburgh 
on up trip, injuring many and six die, April 22. 

Alderman John Cassidy, holding that ofiice in 2nd Ward many years 
and active in advancing city interests, aged 46. dies, April 23. 

The " Old •■' Capitol having been placed in control of trustees, they 
appoint Henry Weaver superintendent, April 23. 

Steamboat Victory withdrawn from Hudson river to ply betv/een 
New York and Hartford on East river, April 24. 



486 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37. 

18 30. 



Report to Common Council in favor of changing Capitol to Park st., 

Maya. 
Election for town officers, (supervisors and assessors) when Edwin 

Croswell, editor of The Argus, gave forth the saying that " as 

goes the Fourth Ward, so goes the state," May 4. 

Dr. Barent P. Staats' wife, JVIaria A. Winne, aged 26, dies, May 9. 
Albany Orphan Asylum organizes, electing Edward C. Delavan 

president. May 19. 

Banks of the city depreciate the value of pistareens to 16 cents, the 

former value, before being worn, having been 20 cents. May 29. 
John O. Cole's wife, Eleanor, aged 37, dies, June 5. 

One of the speediest stage-coach runs, made from Whitehall to this 

city, 81 miles in 8 hrs. 30 mins., Ji-ine 5. 

First Presbyterian Church calls Rev. John N. Campbell, of Wash- 
ington, offering annual salary of $1,600, considered liberal, 

June 7. 
Fourth Presbyterian Church completed, size 60 x 90 feet, extending 

from No. Market street (Broadway) to Orchard street (No. 

Pearl st.), between Patroon (Clinton ave.) and Wilson streets; 

Architect, Philip Flooker ; I^astor, Rev. Edward N. Kirk. 

June 10. 
North Dutch Reformed Church on west side of No. Pearl street, 

enclosed by an iron picket fence, which is a novelty, June 10. 
Mayor John Townsend's house robbed of silverware; recovered, 

June 10. 
Ox weighing 4,000 pounds exhibited here, June 12. 

Independence Day celebrated ; William Parmelec the orator, 

July 4- 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, with a silver spade, breaks the ground 
at Schenectady in starting work upon the Mohawk and Hudson 
new railroad to be the first in America operated by steam, 

July 29. 

Marshall reports the census of the city as 11,533 ^vhite males and 
11,632 white females; total 23,165; colored males, 421, colored 
females 630, total 1,051 ; grand total, 24,216 persons, July 30. 

George Merchant, classmate of President Madison and who came to 
Albany to open an Academy next door south of the Vander- 
heyden Palace, (west side of No. Pearl st., and south of 
Maiden Lane), in war of 1812 a paymaster in U. S. Army, 
aged J}^, dies, Aug. 14. 

St. Mary's Church, second edifice, at n. w. corner of Chapel and 
Pine streets, first opened, Aug. 29. 

Henry C. Southwick's wife, Mary (dau. of Capt. Isaac Wool), dies, 

Sept. 3. 



No. yj. JOHN TOWNSEND. 48/ 

1830. 

St. Mary's Church trustees hold first session in new edifice and 
pass resolution of thanks to citizens and the Lancaster school 
for allowing use of building" while work was going on, 

Sept. 8. 

Charter election in the 5 wards for aldermen and assistants, 

Sept. 28. 

Nathaniel P. Willis, the author, at Titus' Hotel, Troy, gives vent 
to much discussion by his remark on catching a glimpse of this 
city, '^becoming later a current phrase), "Albany, looking so 
well in the distance, that you half forgive it for its hogs, otfals, 
broken pavements, and the score of other nuisances more Dutch 
than decent," Sept. 28. 

Steamboat Ohio makes world sailing record, arriving from New 
York in 9 hours and 58 minutes, about 14^2 miles an hour, 

Oct. I. 

Christopher Dunn, keeper of the famous City Coft'ee House, a tavern 
or hotel at the corner of Green and Beaver streets, and whose 
place was cut in two on Avidening Green street, aged 67, dies, 

Oct. 9. 

Common Council orders Lodge street paved, Pine to Maiden Lane, 

Oct. II. 

City expenses $174,442.93; receipts $156,546.02, year ending, 

Oct. 12. 

Charter election. Common Council : Ralph Pratt, Willard Walker, 
L William Seymour, Seth Hastings, H. Gerrit Gates, Gerrit 
Yates Lansing. HL James Maher, Lemuel Steele, IV. James 
Gibbons, Stephen A'an Rensselaer, V. Election, Sept. 28 ; 
sworn in, Oct. 12. 

P. V. Shankland appointed Common Council clerk in place of John 
W. Hyde, removed, Oct. 25. 

Citizens subscribe as follows for gilding the dome of the new 
marble City Hall: ist Ward, $73.50; 2nd Ward, $161.75 ; 3rd 
Ward, $120.75; 4th Ward, $98.25; the total, $454.25, and the 
committee having been limited to $2 subscriptions, now author- 
ized to accept smaller sums, Nov. 17. 

Lydius street (Madison ave.) ordered to have a sidewalk from So. 
Pearl to Hallenbake (Grand) street on south side as the road 
was now coming into use, Nov. 22. 

Common Council authorizes finance committee to rent the old Court 
House (City Hall) at n. e. cor. Broadway and Hudson avenue, 

Nov. 22. 

Second Presbyterian Church Annex erected. 

River closes (Government record), Dec. 6. 



488 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37. 

1830, 1832. 



Thanksgiving- Day observed by Gov. Throop's proclamation, 

Dec. 9. 

Gen. Matthew Trotter, RevoUitionary officer with General Ganse- 
voort and Colonel Willett at Fort Stanwix, afterwards aid to 
Lord Stirling, a river captain and then in mercantile business, 
dies, Dec. 9. 

Orchard street (No. Pearl st.) ordered paved north of Patroon 
street (Clinton ave.), Dec. 13. 

David Williams, a surviving captor of Major Andre during the 
Revolution, is escorted to The Theatre on west side of So. Pearl 
street by Captain Watson's Artillery company and gives a narra- 
tion of the historic incident, receiving considerable applause, 

Dec. 18. 

River closed, (according to Munsell's Annals, Vol. IX, p. 221), 

Dec. 22. 

" Marble Pillar " building of Thorpe & Sprague, proprietors of 
stage- coach lines, receives the museum collection of exhibits, by 
which the edifice took name for half a century, being completed, 

Dec. 28. 

Marshals make known result of a canvass of the city showing: ist 
Ward, 6,855: 2nd Ward, 6,266; 3rd. Ward, 2,011; 4th Ward, 
5,878; 5th Ward, 3,206; total, 24,216 persons, Dec. 28. 

'Common Council ballots for IMayor, John Townsend receiving 9 

votes, and Francis Bloodgood 12 votes; whereupon the Board 

of Aldermen pronounce Francis Bloodgood elected Mayor of 

Albany, Dec. 29. 

• • • 

(See No. 38.) 



(Continued from No. 38) 
1832. 



John Townsend having been elected Alayor of Albany at the annual 
election held by the Common Council on Dec. 29, 1831, assumes 
office as the successor to Mayor Francis Bloodgood, Jan. i. 

Daily Craftsman first issued by Roberts & James, editors, Jan. 7. 

Philip Hooker resigns as city surveyor, and Dr. B. P. Staats at 
Common Council meeting ofifers amendments to the law insti- 
tuting thus two surveyors, — for northern and southern districts, 
which is passed, and George W. Carpenter and William M. 
Cushman are thereupon appointed, Jan. 23. 



No. :i)'J. JOHN TOWNSEND. 489 

1832. 

Several hundred firemen petition the Common Council to prohibit 
the miscellaneous ringing of bells for week-day evening worship, 
because they frequently accepted fire-alarms as church-bells and 
received fines for non-attendance, resulting in the law that bells 
for church sounded after twilight be tolled, unless rung for 
fire, Jan. 23. 

Cuyler vStaats, aged 25 years, dies, Jan. 24. 

Mohawk & Hudson railroad reports to the Legislature that $483,215 
had been expended for construction, and that to complete it 
$156,693 was required, Jan. 28. 

Centennial of the birth of George Washington celebrated, the 89th 
and 246th Regiments banqueting at Crosby's Long Room and 
Albany Republican Artillery at Foot's Fort Orange Hotel. Col. 
Peter Gansevoort presenting to the latter command a large 
brass drum captured from the British by his father, Gen. Peter 
Gansevoort, on Aug. 22, 1777, at Fort Stanwix (site of Rome, 
N. Y.), Feb. 22. 

Erastus Youngs, whose stage-coaches ran in every direction from 
Albany doing the most extensive business of any, age 48, dies, 

March 11. 

Common Council petitioned by Hugh Robinson and others to open 
Dean street to j\Iaiden Lane, March 12. 

Joseph Alexander and James L'Amoreux petition to have Hamilton 
street opened from Eagle to Hawk street, Alarch 12. 

Freshet the most extensive in years, carrying away several buildings 
on the Pier and basin bridges thereto, j\Iarch 12. 

Steamboat Fame of Hudson able to come to Albany ; but river closed 
at Redhook, March 15. 

Washington Centennial (birthday) celebration committee presents a 
silver pitcher with inscription and a handsome silver salver 
engraved with a likeness of Washington in the centre, to John 
Meads in recognition of his artistic skill in decorating the 
City Hall on the occasion of the grand ball, which had sur- 
passed anything before attempted in the city, (the two pieces 
passing in 1904 to Dr. Lloward Van Rensselaer under the will 
of Sarah Meads, sister of the recipient), INIarch 23. 

Ice passes out at Kinderhook, open navigation to New York, 

jNIarch 25. 

Constitution arrives, the first of season from New York, Alarcli 26. 

Jury for assessing property required to open State street from 
Broadway to the river report damage estimate as $98,708.55,. 

April 3. 



490 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37. 

1832. 



Common Council undertakes to amend the law that allowed hogs to 
run the streets at large since the city was chartered, a practice 
that drew from Nathaniel P. Willis, the author, the expression 
" more Dutch than decent." The recorder called up the law 
that had been tabled for a year, and Alderman Maher adhered 
to the idea that at large they acted as scavangers for the city, 
while penning them would inflict disease among the poor who 
kept them, while Dr. B. P. Staats thought it unwholesome to 
have them feed so, and garbage would be collected by men. 
Amendment to ring the pigs lost 8 to 1 1, and motion to confine 
prevailed, to take efTect June ist, or imposition of a fine of $2, 

April 4. 

Committee advertises for building Albany Orphan Asylum, April 16. 

Bank of Albany charter extended to 1855. 

Common Council grants quit claim deed to Methodist Church in 
Division street for land the city had given for new edifice at 
corner of Plain and Plallenbake (Grand) street, and the church 
now desired to sell the lot, April 20. 

New Scotland erected from Bethlehem, April 25. 

Town election for supervisors and assessors, May i. 

Stone House Tavern, in Beaver street, torn down. May 5. 

Mohawk &: Hudson railroad's first train, the first passenger railroad 
operated by steam in America, over the entire route, the train 
that ran first on Sept. 24, 1831, was operated from the brow of 
the hill east of Schenectady and to the " Junction," Lydius 
street (Madison avenue) and Western avenue; but this time 
the journey was over a completed route and terminated in 
Albany at Gansevoort street. The train on coming from Sche- 
nectady was greeted by cannon, and people from all over flocked 
beside the track the whole distance. May 14. 

Houses on Lodge street, between Howard and Beaver streets, occu- 
pied by noisy disreputable blacks and whites torn down by in- 
dignant citizens. Mayor Townsend and constable looking on, 
but unable to quell the riot, the people determined to raze it as 
the only remedy likely to abate a long-continued nuisance. 

May 14. 

Catherine Maley Hunter, wife of Henry D. Hunter and daughter of 
the late John C. Cuyler, dies at Congress Hall hotel. May 16. 

Cenotaph of marble in two colors placed in Second Dutch Church in 
memory of Rev. John DeWitt, its earliest pastor, May 16. 

Steamboat Novelty makes record trip, 9 hr. 47 min. from New York, 

May 31. 



No. 2>7- JOHN TOWNSEND. 491 

1832. 

Joseph Alexander resigns presidency of the Commercial Bank and 
is succeeded by Hon. John Townsend as its second executive, 

June 7. 
Rumored that Asiatic cholera had appeared at Montreal and Quebec, 
accordingly the Common Council is convened to take precau- 
tions, and directs James D. Wasson to proceed to Whitehall to 
observe condition of emigrants coming that way, and guards 
stationed at all roads entering the city to order quarantine, 

June 13. 

Legislature convenes in extra session, June 21. 

Special Legislative session ends, July 2. 

Mayor Stevenson issues a proclamation forbidding the approach of 

any river vessel with anyone sick aboard nearer than one mile 

below the South ferry, because of a rumor there were cholera 

cases in New York, July 3. 

John Bradford, aged 22, the first case of death by cholera, July 3. 

The Theatre, opened for a summer season on the 4th, closed because 

of the cholera scare, one person afraid to approach another, 

July 10. 
■Quantities of tar burned in streets, creating gloominess, with the 
hope of abating the plague. The streets and stores deserted, 

July 10. 
Gen. John H. Wendell, captain under Colonel Van Schaick and com- 
manding a company at Battle of Monmouth during the Revolu- 
tion, wearing a costume of that period up to this time, aged 80, 
dies. July 10. 

David Tinker, despite temperate habits, aged 30, dies of cholera, 

July 10. 
Citizens requested to be about at 9 a. m. to burn tar, July 13. 

Foxen kill, mostly an open creek and used as a sewer, complained of 
as a nuisance, July 13. 

Board of health reports 28 new cases and 7 deaths, July 13. 

New cases of cholera 27 and deaths 6, on 14th ; 6 deaths on 

July 15- 
Common Council meets in daytime fearing night assemblages, and 
churches abandon evening services, July I5- 

Cholera continues to rage, on i6th, 29 new cases and 7 deaths; on 
17th, 23 new cases and 8 deaths; on i8th, 21 new cases and 5 
deaths; on 19th, 20 new cases and 6 deaths; on 20th, 22 new 
cases and 7 deaths; on 21st, 40 new cases and 11 deaths; on 
22nd, 19 new cases and 14 deaths ; on 23rd, 27 new cases and 5 
deaths ; on 24th, 19 new cases and 10 deaths ; on 25th, 27 new 
cases and 7 deaths ; on 26th, 32 new cases and 7 deaths ; on 27th, 



492 JOHN TOWN SEND. No. 37. 

1832. 

40 new cases and 13 deaths; on 28th, 28 new cases and 18 
deaths, being- the greatest in one day; on 29th, 35 new cases and 
17 deaths; on 30th, 26 new cases and 10 deaths; on 31st, 29 
new cases and 6 deaths; total, 387 cases of cholera and 136 
deaths during (28 days) July, in a population of about 26,000, 

Mayor John Towiisend issues a proclamation calling for a day of 
prayer, fasting and humiliation, Aug. i. 

Majority of the stores closed and half the population in mourning, 
the undertakers hardly able to cope with the situation, steam- 
boats and stage-coaches running practically empty, and farmers 
fearing to come to the city, a dearth in provisions, potatoes 
rising from 25 cents to $1 a bushel for that reason, Aug. 2. 

Day observed as period of prayer, with all stores closed, Aug. 3. 

Salem Dutcher, a prominent citizen, aged 60, one of the 8 deaths, 

Aug. 3. 

"Old Jail property" bounded by State (80 ft.), Eagle st. (116 ft.) 
and Maiden Lane (84 ft.) sold for benefit of Albany Academy, 

Aug. II. 

Steamboat Champlain makes record trip of 9 hrs. 49 mins. up, 

Aug. 26. 

Wells examined by Drs. T. R. Beck and Philip Ten Eyck, but they 
are declared to be free from impurities, Aug. 28. 

Cholera having been almost as severe in August as during July, the 
situation had become even more distressing ; cases in this month 
numbering 525 and the deaths 193, making a total for the two 
summer months alone, 1,147 cases and 401 deaths, average of 
one-third of the cases proving fatal, Aug. 31. 

Lancaster school on west side of Eagle street used as a hospital for 
cholera patients, the Arsenal far north on Broadway also, 

Sept. I. 

Steamboat Westchester built by Smith &: Dimon of New York, 230 
tons, 134 X 23 X 8 feet. 

Ruttenkill creek (through Hudson ave.) filled in. Eagle to Hawk. 

Albany's first band of music organized. 

Lydius House, the residence of Dominie Lydius. built 1657, at the 
n. e. corner of State and No. Pearl streets, removed. 

Academy Park iron railing, about 9 feet high, set in a coping of 
marble blocks about one foot high, with gates at the four sides, 
in position and work of grading completed, the gutters from 
Lafayette street crossing near the centre as a stream in wet 
weather, Sept. 15. 

New York State Agricultural Society organized here. 



Nq ^^7, JOHN TOWNSEND. 493 

1832. 

Cholera plague over, the last death on this day, Sept. 15. 

Prof. Joseph Henry leaves Albany Academy faculty for Princeton. 
Steamboat Erie built by Brown & Bell of New York, 471 tons, 

180 X 28 X 9 feet. 
Steamboat North America, racing with the Champlain, makes a 
record, coming from New York in 9 hrs. 18 mins., Sept. 22. 
Charter election for aldermen and assistants in the 5 wards, 

Sept. 24. 
Daniel L. Van Antwerp, aged 60, dies, ' Oct. 2. 

Charter election, Common Council : Erastus Corning, Jesse G. 
Brush, I. John T. Norton, Dyer Lathrop, II. Elisha W Skin- 
ner, Tennis Van Vechten, III. Friend Humphrey, James P. 
Gould, IV. James Gibbons, Stephen Vsin Rensselaer, Jr., V. 
Election, Sept. 25 ; sworn in, Oct. 9. 

Joshua Cotrell establishes a fur store (Cotrell & Leonard in 1900) 

at No. 38 So. Market street (Broadway). 
Bank of Albany building east side of Broadway at foot of State 
street, removed to permit widening of latter street to river, and 
moves into No. 42 State street. 
Temperance societies in the city number 14, with membership of 
4,164, and statistics are announced to show that with about 400 
deaths caused by cholera only two of the fatal cases were mem- 
bers of temperance societies, Oct. 15. 
Peter S. Schuyler dies, Nov. i. 
Close of three days' election of a governor, Albany county giving 
Gov. Wm. L. Marcy a majority of 49 over Francis Granger, 
and for the President Jackson electoral ticket 104 majority, 

Nov. 7. 
Meeting of citizens at the City Hall results in subscription commit- 
tees to raise money for famine sufferers Cape Verde islands, 

Nov. 13. 

William James, public-spirited merchant, aged 63, dies, Dec. 19. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 21. 

City Hall's cost of construction (marble edifice with gilded dome) 

reported to the Common Council as $92,336.91, the county 

paying $7,500 of this amount. Dec. 27. 

Francis Bloodgood elected by the Common Council to succeed John 

Townsend as Mayor of Albany, Dec. 27. 

• • • 
(See No. 38.) 



No. 38. 



iiffrauris 1Bl00iig00&. 



Jan. 1, 1831 Dec. 31, 1831. 

* * * 

Jan. 1, 1833-^ Dec. 31, 1833. 



No. 38. 

FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 

Date, of .office: (a) Jan. i, 1831 — Dec. 31, 1831. 
(b) Jan. I, 1833 — Dec. 31, 1833. 
Date of election: (a) December 29, 1830. 
(b) December 27, 1832. 
Political party: Democratic. 
Vote: (a) 12. 
(b) 14. 
Opponent: (a) John Townsend. 
(b) John Townsend. 
Political party: Whig-. 
J^ote: (a) 9. 

(b) 3- 
Total vote: (a) 21. 
(b) 17. 
Date of birth: July 18, 1768. 

Parents: James (B.) and Lydia Van Yalkenburgh. 
Education: Yale. 
Married to: (a) Eliza Cobham. 

(b) Anna Shoemaker (Morris). 
Date: (a) September 15, 1792. 

(b) November 3, 1823. 
Children: (a) (2) Margaret (Hall), Anna Maria (Paige), m. 
44th Mayor (2nd husband. Major William), 
(b) None. 
Residence: No. iii State street. 
Occupation: Lawyer. 
Religion: Dutch Reformed. 
Date of death: March 5, 1840. 
Place of burial: A^ale Cemetery, Schenectady. 
Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Clerk of Supreme Court. The 2d President of New 
York State Bank. President Albany Insurance Company. 
Noted for integrity. 




38. FRANCIS BLUUDGOOD. 

1833. 
From a photograph made by Floyd from the oil painting by Ames, owned 
in 1904 by his grandchildren (Paige) in Schenectady. 



No. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 497 

1831. 

(Continued from No. 27-} 
1831. 



Francis Bloodgood having been elected Mayor of Albany on Dec. 
29, 1830, he is sworn into office and signalizes the event by 
paying all the debts of those confined in jail as debtors, Jan. i. 

Applications made to the Legislature for the construction of a bridge 
across the Hudson at Albany and to incorporate a medical col- 
lege and hospital, Jan. i. 

Museum removed from the old City Hall building, n. e. corner of 
Broadway and Hudson avenue, to the new marble pillar build- 
ing of Thorpe and Sprague, n. w. corner of Broadway and 
State street, Jan. i. 

Soup-house opened in City Hall basement and 200 apply, Jan. 28. 

William L. Marcy resigns position of Judge of Supreme Court and 
Legislature elects him United States Senator for 6 years, 

Feb. I. 

Abraham Keyser is elected State Treasurer, Feb. I. 

Common Council authorizes city chamberlain to issue licenses to 
four chimney-sweepers, P'eb. 7. 

Proposals for excavating Patroon street (Clinton avenue), Feb. 7. 

Partial eclipse of sun witnessed, Feb. 12. 

Common Council orders paving of Lydius street (Madison avenue) 
from So. Pearl street westward, Feb. 21. 

Fires during year ended numbered only two, seven alarms, 

March i. 

Gen. Philip Henry Sheridan born in this city, on Canal street (Sher- 
idan avenue), March 6. 

B. P. Staats and others petition the Common Council to widen 
Green street between State and Beaver streets ; Margaret 
Cooper objects, March 7. 

Mr. Seymour recommends that lots be set aside for building of 
schoolhouses, as 1,694 scholars had attended district schools 
during the previous year, March 7. 

Resolution by Barnum Whipple passed by Common Council, that 
the City Chamberlain advertise a reward of $500 to the person 
discovering a coal mine of good and sufficient quantity to 
supply the city, within five miles of the river north of Pough- 
keepsie, March 7. 

Effort made to have Pine street opened from Broadway to Chapel 
street, the expense estimated at from $45,000 to $60,000; but 
It was compared with the stupidity of opening Clinton Square, 

March 9. 



498 FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. No. 38. 

1831. 

Common Council decides to widen Green street by taking a certain 
width from the east side, March 10 

Resolved to raise money by tax for support of schools, March 10 

Rev. William B. Lacey's wife, Hannah, aged 38, dies, March 11 

River opens, March 15 

Swiftsure and Constitution first boats to arrive, March 17 

Rutger Bleecker dies, March 17 

Common Council resolves to widen Green, State to Division street, 

March 24. 

Citizens meet at " Old "" Capitol and advocate a branch of the new 
Mohawk & Hudson railroad running down Washington avenue 
to State street from a junction out on Western avenue, Har- 
manus Bleecker introducing a resolution to that effect. The 
turnpikes were represented by John L. Wendell, who was voted 
down, March 28. 

Paul Clark, keeper of the famous tavern called Paul Clarke's Cor- 
ner, aged 67 years, dies, March 28. 

Albany Orphan Asylum incorporated, March 30. 

Jonah Scovel, Revolutionary soldier, who raised a company of 
yeomanry in Connecticut and marched them to Stillwater, aged 
81, dies, April i. 

Common Council grants two acres at north end of Washington 
square for an orphan asylum building, April 4. 

Albany Pier covered by two and a half feet of water, April 7. 

Military men meet at Crosby's Hotel, s. w. corner So. Pearl and 
Beaver streets, and name committee to remonstrate with Com- 
mon Council against use of any part of Washington Parade 
Ground for orphan asylum, April 9. 

Professor Joseph Henry's paper on an electric telegraph printed. 

Firemen's Insurance Co., Jas. Stevenson, Pres., incorporated, 

April 23. 

Legislature adjourns, session of sixteen weeks, passing act abolish- 
ing imprisonment for debt, April 26. 

Broad street changed from Malcolm street. 

South Ferry first operated by steam. 

Isaac J. Fryer, long an alderman, aged 64, dies. May 10. 

William Thornburn (later becoming Price & Reed and in 1900 Geo. 
H. Reed) establishes a seed store corner Broadway and Maiden 
Lane. 

Fur shop of Packer, Prentice & Co. on the Pier destroyed by fire 
with loss of $12,000, May 12. 

Mechanics & Farmers' bank stock selling at $141.50 and United 
States Bank, New York city, stock at $128.36, the latter being 
the highest quoted in the metropolis, May 19. 




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No. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 499 



1831. 



Gerrit G. Lansing, a brother of Chancellor Lansing, born in Albany 
in 1761, and a lieutenant under Colonel Hamilton at the battle 
of Yorktown, moved to Oriskany in 1802 and dies there, 

May 29. 

William Landon takes over the Park Place House, later known as 

Congress Hall, 40 rooms, June 10. 

The steam ferry procured by John Townsend proves its usefulness 

by carrying on this day 344 teams and 8 stages, 180 crossings, 

June 24. 
Reformed Presbyterian Church applies to Common Council for per- 
mit to solicit subscriptions for a new edifice in Westerlo street, 

June 27. 

Petition to Common Council by John H. Wendell and William B. 

Winne to change name of No. High street to Ten Broeck 

street, June 27. 

Hallenbake (Grand street) ordered pitched from Beaver street to 

Lydms street (Madison avenue), June 27. 

During celebration of Independence Day a canister placed before 

the door of Mayor Bloodgood's residence exploded and broke 

the windows; reward of $100 offered, perpetrators caught and 

punished, July 4- 

Dome of the new City Hall having been elaborately gilded by Joseph 

Davis, the scaffolding is removed amidst loud cheering, July 4. 

William Barney and others petition to have Lydius street (Madison 

avenue) paved from Eagle to Lark street, July 11. 

Population of Cohoes at this time nearly 150 persons, July 15. 

New City Hall, marble with a gilded dome ( Eagle and Pine streets 

and Maiden Lane) first used for a meeting of the Common 

Council, previous to this time rooms in the ("Old") Capitol 

had been used, the city having borne part of building expense, 

July 25. 

Name of No. High street changed to Ten Broeck street in honor of 

the distinguished General Abraham Ten Broeck, July 25. 

Paving ordered on Lydius street (Madison avenue) from So. Pearl 

to Lark street, and Hudson avenue from Pearl to Eagle street, 

July 25. 
Locomotive De Witt Clinton arrives for use on the Mohawk & Hud- 
son, the first passenger railroad in the country, July 25. 
Mansion House, formerly Rockwell's, re-opened by J. P. Bradstreet, 

July 27. 
A bell cast at Aspinwall's foundry on Beaver, east of Green, weight 
2,600, and 4 ft. 2 in. diameter, said to be the largest in western 
part of the state, being destined for Episcopal church, Roches- 
ter, ■ July 27. 



500 FRAXCIS BLOODGOOD. Xo. ^S. 



1831. 



Locomotive DeW'itt Clinton placed on rails. July zy. 

DeWitt Clinton locomotive tested on Mohawk & Hudson railroad. 

Aug. 9. 

Albany Literar}- Gazette published by James D. Nicholson and 
edited by John P. Jermain, Sept. 7. 

Mohawk & Hudson railroad between Albany and Schenectady, first 
steam passenger railroad in America, and at other places only 
tram-cars drawn by steam propulsion, first tested, ordinary- 
horse coaches, made by James Goold at his factory at the foot 
of Division street, drawn by locomotive DeWitt Clinton, 

Sept. 12. 

Justus Wright applies for the Society of Friends (Shakers) to Com- 
mon Council for grant of land for house of worship. Sept. 19. 

Wm. M. Cushman makes a survey for the Schenectady turnpike 
company with the view of converting the same into a railroad 
route, Sept. 22. 

Excursion given over the ^Mohawk «S: Hudson railroad to Schenec- 
tady to state and city officials and a few prominent citizens, in- 
cluding Gov. Enos T. Throop. Mayor Francis Bloodgood 
Lieut.-Gov. Edward P. Livingston, Senator Charles E. Dudlev, 
Comptroller Azariah C. Flagg, ex-Gov. Joseph C. Yates, Chan- 
cellor Reuben H. A\'alworth. Stephen Van Rensselaer, Thurlow 
Weed, Simeon DeWitt Bloodgood, Erastus Corning, Lewis 
Benedic"-, John Townsend, Joseph Alexander, John Meigs. 
Judge Jesse Buel. John L Boyd, William Bay, L. H. Tuppd 
and ^Villipm B. ^^'inne. The chief engineer was John B. Jer- 
vis, resident engineer was John T. Clark, who officiated as con- 
ductor, and John Hampson was fireman. Start was made from 
what was long known as the Junction, converging point of 
Western and ^Madison avenues, Sept. 24 

Common Council appoints Peter \'. Shankland chamberlain, 

Sept. 2y. 

James E. Thompson, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 71. dies. 

Sept. 30. 

Mayor's Court first held in the new City Hall (marble exterior) 
with Recorder James McKown presiding, John \*an Xess 
Yates was attorney in the cause, Oct. 4. 

Commercial Bank made depository for state funds. 

Meeting at City CoflFee House (site of Delavan House, later L'nion 
station) to bring about closing of stores at 8 p. m., Oct. 7. 

Common Council receives petition to widen State street betvreen 
Broadway and the river fr«-^m 35 to 70 feet, and at Quay street 
from 43 to 70 feet, as it was bordered by wooden buildings 
only, Oct. II. 




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No. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 5OI 

1831. 

Charter election. Common Council : Barent P. Staats, Erastus 
Corning-, I. William Seymour, Seth Hastings, II. Elisha W. 
W. Skinner, Isaac W. Staats, III. James Maher, Lemuel 
Steele, IV. James Gibbons, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Jr., V. 
Election, Sept 27; sworn in, Oct. 11. 

Rev. John DeWitt, former pastor of Dutch Church on Beaver street, 
born at Catskill, dies at Brunswick, N. J., aged 42 years, Oct. 12. 

The state requiring an active militia and drills, the plan is ridiculed 
by a mock parade with a burlesque regiment, Oct. 15. 

A vessel constructed as a packet for Havre but entered into the 
government service, on completion at New York is christened 
Albany, Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer breaking a bottle of wine 
upon her bow as he pronounces the name, Oct. 25. 

Mayor Bloodgood proposed the purchase of firewood for the poor 
to use in winter and on Mr. Coming's resolution $600 was 
appropriated for the purpose, Oct. 25. 

Grand jury having visited the jail recommends a new one, the 
present building having been in use since 1809 and was fast 
decaying, the prisoners numbering at the time 56, Nov. i. 

Common Council resolves to take 33 feet from the Arsenal lots and 
14 feet from property of Gilbert Davis, to open a street from 
Broadway to Montgomery and name it DeWitt street, Nov. 3. 

Common Council decides to widen State street, below Broadway, 

Nov. 14. 

Mayor Bloodgood, Recorder McKown, and aldermen make formal 
presentation of the set of colors to the packet Albany, as pro- 
vided by resolution of Oct. 24th, and partake of a bountiful 
repast, Nov. 17. 

Hosford & W^ait unite the " Christain Register " with the " Journal " 
of Utica, issuing the "Journal and Telegraph," Nov. 21. 

Common Council orders crosswalk over State street on east side of 
Lodge street in spite of considerable opposition from those who 
thought the " Church and State " walk (so called because paid 
for by St. Peter's church and the state) was sufficient there, 

Nov. 28. 

Common Council authorizes construction of Academy Park, with 
iron fence, citizens having subscribed $3,200 for the purpose, 
the movement being agitated by Dr. Barent P. Staats and Jas. 
Maher, Nov. 28. 

Apportionments confirmed for paving Lydius street (Madison ave) 
from So. Pearl st. to Hallenbake (Grand) street, Nov. 28. 

Capt. Peter Dox, born at Albany in 1742, a participant in French 
and Indian War and later in the Revolution, dies at Hopeton, 
Yates CO., N. Y., aged 89 years, Nov. 28. 



502 FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. No. 38. 

1831-1833. 

John Stihvell. many years alderman, assemblyman in 1824, major- 
general of artillery, aged 52, dies, Dec. 2, 
Francis Bloodgood and Gideon Hawley officiate at meeting dis- 
cussing sending delegates to Leedsville to promote a railroad to 
New York, Dec. 2. 
River closed to navigation, Dec. 5. 
Fifth Presbyterian Church organized, Rev. Alfred Welton, pastor, 

Dec. 5. 

Thomas Kendall, first manufacturer of thermometers in this country 

and celebrated the world over, dies, Dec. 11. 

Common Council elects John Townsend Mayor, Dec. 29. 

• • • 
(See No. 37.) 



(Continued from No. 37.) 
1833. 



Francis Bloodgood, having been elected by a vote of the Common 
Council on Dec. 2"], 1832, to be Mayor of Albany, takes the oath 
of office and delivers an address in which he speaks of the 
growth of the city in hiaterial prosperity, and presents an elabo- 
rate statement of its financial condition, Jan. i. 

Legislature meets and hears message of Gov. Wm. L. Marcy, Jan. i. 

Steamboat arrives from New York with mails, Jan. 5. 

Mohawk & Hudson railroad cars commence running from the head 
of State street, the station being within about fifty feet of n. e. 
corner of State and Eagle streets, whence each car or carriage 
was drawn by single horse to the Junction, (Western and Madi- 
son avenues) with the track running down to Gansevoort street. 
Locomotives were attached at the Junction, where they received 
wood and water. Stock at this time selling at $1.25, Jan. 8. 

Steamboat Wads worth departs and river closes again, Jan. 10. 

Robert Dunlop's malt house on Orange street burned, Jan. 21. 

Reported to Common Council cholera expenses were $18,000, 

Jan. 21. 

Anna Pruyn, much esteemed, 70 No. Pearl and Maiden Lane, dies, 

Feb. 3. 

Yates & Mclntyre announce to discontinue lottery next year, 

Feb. 6. 

Dr. T. Romeyn Beck reads paper showing by his records that mean 
temperature here is 49.4, during 17 years, and less snow than 
vicinity, Feb. 7. 



No. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 5O3 



1833. 



Benjamin Knower's wife, Sarah, mother-in-law of Gov. Marcy, dies, 

Feb. 19. 

Reported to Legislature that cost of constructing Mohawk & Hud- 
son railroad was $42,600 per mile ; Schen. & Saratoga $22,000, 

Feb. 19. 

Archibald McClure and Geo. Dexter form a drug firm, March i. 

Subscriptions raising for new Female Academy, No. Pearl st., 

March 4. 

River open before the city, March 21. 

Paul Cushman, aged 78, dies, March 28. 

John Wilson, maker of geographical globes that were acknowledged 
by the foreign manufacturers to be best in the world, aged 39, 
dies, March 18. 

Athenaeum closes for lack of patronage, April 22. 

Rev. Horatio Potter installed rector of St. Peter's Church, May ii. 

Greatest freshet of years ; lower Broadway navigated by scows to 
State St. Damage to 11 farms on Van Rensselaer Is. $6,000, 

May 14. 

Freshet subsides, showing all vegetation gone. May 17. 

Benjamin D. Packard, bookseller ; had recently begun publication of 
The Albany Evening Journal, aged 54, dies. May 18. 

Hudson River Association Line formed by consolidation. 

Cornelius Van Rensselaer's wife, Eveline, dan. of Leonard Ganse- 
voort, aged 40, dies, May 25. 

Common Council raises chamberlain's salary to $1,000 and that of 
the poormaster to $500, Jluic 4. 

Vanderheyden house demolished as site for Baptist church, west side 
of North Pearl St., south of Maiden Lane, June 5. 

Albany P'emale Lundy Society organized, Ji^me 19. 

John B. Southwick, son of Solomon Southwick, aged 28, dies, 

June 23. 

Spring street directed to be opened Hawk to Swan street, June 24. 

Independence Day oration by Adj. -Gen. Levi Hubbel, and Declara- 
tion read by John V. L. Pruyn, 24 Schenectady girls depicting 
states, July 4. 

Subscription books opened for a railroad to connect with New York, 

July II. 

Considerable difficulty between the city and those who owned swine, 
and particular attention given to it by suit of the chamberlain 
against James Blackall to recover $6 as a fine for allowing 
them to roam. The defense claimed it was a greater evil to 
have pigs confined near dwellings instead of roaming and 
eating garbage, and furthermore that the city's employee, " Pig 



504 FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. No. 38. 

1833. 

Baker," connived to liberate pigs from the pound that he might 
again impound them, July i6. 

Universalist Church, Green street, corner-stone laid, July 25. 

Grand Jury recommends converting Lancaster school into work- 
house, ^"'^ug. 6. 

Grain worm and weevil constitute serious plague. 

New York & Erie railroad commenced. 

Stanwix Hall being erected at s. e. corner Broadway and Maiden 
Lane, named in honor of Brig-Gen. Peter Gansevoort who had 
distinguished himself at Fort Stanwix (Rome, N. Y.) and died 
in 1812. The name first carved on the stone tablet on Broad- 
way side was The Pavilion. 

Chas. F. Durant ascends 5,000 feet in balloon, alights at New Scot- 
land, Aug. 8. 

City surveyor reports cost of $60,000 to raise grade of that territory 
between the river, So. Ferry and So. Pearl streets, Aug. 19. 

Philip Van Rensselaer, who lived at Cherry Hill, southern part of 
city, was commissary during Revc^lution and had charge of 
stores for the Northern army which he kept on east side of 
Aliddle Lane (James st.) about 100 feet north of State st. 
While digging foundation for new livery of Wasson & Jewell, 
many loaded bombs found there, Aug. 20. 

Charter election for aldermen and assistants, Sept. 24. 

Albany Burgesses' Corps organized, Oct. 8. 

Charter election, Common Council : John E. Lovett, Levi Cornell, 
L Seth Hastings, James D. Wasson. H. Tennis Van Vechten 
(Isaac W. Staats, vice T. Van Vechten, resigned), HL Israel 
Williams, III. Lemuel Steele, James Maher, IV. John N. 
Ouackenbush, lames Gibbons, V. Election, Sept. 24; sworn 
in, " Oct. 8. 

Albany Library released from all debt by contributions, makes 
agreement to use rooms in Female Academy building on No. 
Pearl st. Later these books became merged with the school's 
library, Nov. i. 

Adam and Eve, great moral paintings, exhibited at City Hall, at- 
tracting imusual attention, the profits of one day ($38) desig- 
nated for any charity the mayor might select. Nov. i. 

Common Council decides not to open Hudson avenue above Eagle, 

Nov. 4. 

Albany Orphan asylum. Western ave. and Robin st., opened. 

Dr. March secures promise of gift after death to Albany Medical 
College of body of Calvin Edson, " Living Skeleton," age 45 
years and his weight only 45 pounds, exhibited at the Museum. 






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No. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 505 

1833. 

Attempt made again (first. time in 1825) to introduce gas into 
Albany by a company ; but once more a failure. 

Hibernia Providential Society incorporated. 

Albany Female Academy site on North Pearl street, between Maiden 
Lane and Steuben street on west side (No. 40) procured. 

Henry Clay, great American statesman, arrives and is escorted to 
the Eagle Tavern, s. e. cor. Broadway and Hamilton St., where 
he is addressed by the Mayor on behalf of the city, by Ambrose 
Spencer for the older men and John B. Van Schaick for young 
men, Nov. 14. 

Henry Clay visits the City Hall in the morning, where Amos Dean 
presents him with a splendid cloak made by Relyea & Wright in 
three hours, and seeing places of interest leaves in afternoon, 

Nov. 15. 

Mohawk & Hudson railroad extends tracks down centre of State 
street in order to comply with charter and shut out turnpike, 

Nov. 15. 

Triangle of land formed by Washington ave. and the Bowery (Cen- 
tral ave.) is fenced in by nearby dwellers and given the name 
of Washington park with the idea of erecting a Washington 
statue therein ; but the name is changed later by the city to 
Townsend park in honor of Mayor John Townsend, Nov. 20. 

Benj. F. Butler, recent law partner of Martin Van Buren at No. iii 
State, (formed May 26, 1817) leaves city for govern't position, 

Nov. 26. 

Israel Smith reports as treasurer of Infant School Society that there 
were 400 scholars at the three schools and the six teachers 
were paid a total of $1,050 as salaries, sundries $100, 

Dec. 4. 

Young men meet in the Mayor's Court Room on the call of Amos 
Dean, and form the Young Men's Association for mutual im- 
provement, contemplating a library and courses of lectures; a 
constitution adopted and 750 young men enroll, Dec. 10. 

Amos Dean elected first president of the Y. M. A., 220 present, 

Dec. 13. 

River closed to navigation, Dec. 13, 

Erastus Corning elected Mayor at a meeting of the Common 
Council, the vote being: Erastus Corning, 12; Francis Blood- 
good, 8, Dec. 23. 

• • • 

(See No. 39.) 



No. 39. 

iEraatufi (Enrmng^ 



Jan. 1, 1834 — Dec. 31, 1834-. 
Jan. 1, 1835— Dec. 31, 1835. 
Jan. 1, 1836— Jan. 1, 1837. 
Jan. 2, 1837 — May 14, 1837. 



No. 39. 
ERASTUS CORNING. 

Date of office: (a) January i, 1834-December 31, 1834. 

(b) January i, 1835-December 31, 1835. 

(c) January i, 1836-January i, 1837. 

(d) January 2, 1837-May 14, 1837. (resigns). 
Date of election: (a) December 23, 1833. 

(b) December 30, 1834. 

(c) December 21, 1835. 

(d) December 19, 1836. 



Political party: Democrat. 


Political party: ' 


VVhi 


Vote: (a) 12. 


Vote: (a) 8. 




(b) 14. 


(b) 0. 




(c) 10. 


(c) 8. 




(d) 10. 


(d) 7- 




Opponent: (a) Francis Bloodgood. 


Total vote: (a) 


20. 


(b) None. 


(b) 


14. 


(c) Francis Bloodgood. 


(c) 


18. 


(d) Tennis \^an Vechten. 


(d) 


17- 


Date of birth: December 14, 1794. 






Place of birth: Norwich, Conn. 







Parents: Bliss (C.) and Lucinda Smith. 

Education: Academies at Norwich and Chatham. 

Married to: Harriet Weld. 

Date: Roxbury, Mass., March 10, 1819. 

Children: (5) Benjamin Smith, John Spencer, Erastus, Joseph 
Weld, Edwin Weld. 

Residence: No. 102 State street. 

Occupation: President of Iron Works at Troy. 

Religion: Episcopalian. 

Date of death: April 8, 1872. 

Place of death: No. 102 State street. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Chancellor. 

Remarks: Came to Albany in 1814. Alderman, 1828. Projector 
of the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad in 1831, one of the first 
railroads in the United States. Vice-President New York 
State Bank, 1833. Regent, February 5, 1833-72. State 
Senator, 1842-46. Delegate to National Democratic Conven- 
tions, Baltimore, 1848 and 1852. First President of the 
Utica and Schenectady Railroad, to 1854. On consolidation 
of New York Central Railroad, its first President, 1854-65. 
Delegate to Peace Convention, Washington, February, 1861. 
Delegate to Constitutional Convention, 1867. Vice-Chan- 
cellor, April 21, 1870. 38th Congress. Philanthropist. 
Lover of art. Descended from French De Cornu family. 
Proprietor of rolling mills at Troy providing plates for the 
historic " Monitor." 




39. ERASTUS CORNING. 
1834-1837- 
From a photograph by Floyd of the oil painting made by Asa W. Twitchell, 
and owned by him in 1904. 



No. 39. ERASTUS CORNING. 509 

1834. 

(Continued from No. 38.) 
1834. 



Common Council meets and Erastus Corning qualifies as Mayor, 

Jan. I 
Hon. Daniel D. Barnard delivers first address before Young Men's 
Association at Knickerbocker Hall, Jan. 7 

Legislature meets, receiving message of Gov. Wm. L. Marcy. 

Jan. 7 
Albany City Bank petitions for incorporation by Legislature, 

Jan. 8 
Azariah C. Flagg appointed State Comptroller, Jan. 11 

Abram Covert's morocco factory, Fox st., destroyed, $7,000, 

Jan. 21 
Chancellor Lansing's widow, Cornelia, aged 76 years, dies. 

Jan. 24 

Hezekiah Sage, contractor for excavating Gallows Hill, (Eagle and 

State) petitions Common Council to release one-eighth to him, 

Jan. 27. 
St. Mary's (R. C.) church deed granted by city, for its lot, Jan. 27. 
George W. Welch appointed superintendent of Aims-House, 

Jan. 27. 

Mechanics & Farmers' Bank elects Charles E. Dudley president 

pro tern, Feb. 3. 

Fire ni upper room of City Hall that was at n. e. cor. Broadway and 

Hudson ave., and two cadavers for dissection discovered, 

Feb. 8. 

River opens. Constellation arriving next day, Feb. 24. 

William Forrest, sometime associated with Wm. Dufify managing 

the Albany theatre, brother of Edwin Forrest, actor, dies at 

Philadelphia, March 3. 

Peter Allenson petitions Common Council, being old resident and 

poor, to make coffins (for paupers) and city lamp-posts, 

March 10. 
Aid. Wasson introduces bill to penalize $3 for hogs running at large 
unless ringed, objected to by the poor as hardship, March 10. 
Daily News issued first by Hunter & Hofifman, non-partisan, 

April 5. 
George W. Carpenter elected city surveyor by Common Council, 

April 7. 
Albany City Bank incorporating bill passes. Senate 23 to 7, 

April 23. 



5IO ERASTUS CORNING. No. 39. 

1834. 

Solomon Sonthwick publishes "A Layman's Apology for the Ap- 
pointment of Clerical Chaplains by the Legislature," to refute 
arguments of Thomas Hertell who wished chaplains excluded 
from Legislature, April 25. 

Publishing firm of Webster & Skinners dissolved, Clias. Jl. Webster 
retiring and E. W. & C. Skintier continuing, AT ay i. 

Legislature adjourns, a session of 4 mos., 6 days, May 6. 

Albany Female Academy's third building (west side of No. Pearl 
St., bet. Maiden Lane and Steuben st.) opened and dedicated, 

May 12. 

Wesley Chapel (M. E.) Church, Dallius and Bleecker, organized, 

May. 

People's Line of steamboats established as a day line. May. 

West Chester, first boat of People's Line, put on. May. 

Albany City Bank's subscription books opened, and $2^3,300 towaids 
its capital of $500,000 subscribed, June 9. 

Albany City Bank stock subscriptions run to $678,200, June 10. 

Albany City Bank stock books close, amounting to $1,142,900, 

June II. 

Mechanics & Farmers' Bank elects Ezra Ames its (4th) president, 

June. 

Pruyn street (of 1900) changed from Embargo alley to Denniston, 

June 16. 

Common Council elects Harmanus \^an Ingen fire chief, June 23. 

Beaver creek, being an open creek for its entire length, a law is 
passed to construct a stone arch over it at Johnson street, 

June 23. 

Albany Burgesses' Corps makes its first parade, 50 men, July 4. 

Second Dutch Reformed church's new bell rung for first time, largest 
in city, weight 2,'/2,7 lbs., made by Lewis Aspinwall at corner 
of Beaver and Grand streets, recasting from material of the 
second bell, weight 2,430 lbs., which was cast by Julius Hanks 
of Gibbonsville, (W. Troy) in Dec, 1818, which was a recast 
of the first bell imported from Holland, weight 2,842 lbs., earlier 
in 1818, at a cost of $2,000; but cracked, July 4. 

Steamboat Helen, built by Burden, makes first appearance, July 7. 

Citizen Edmond Charles Genet, who had been most active in advo- 
cating extensive river improvements, dies at his Greenbush 
farm, July 14. 

James Hunter, editor Albany Daily Advertiser from 1823 to Oct., 
1832, later editing the Albany Daily New^s, dies, July 15, 

Charles R. Webster, founder of Albany Gazette, dies Saratoga, 

Tulv 18. 




ALBANY FEMALE ACADEMY. 

Originally opened on Montgomery st., May 21, 1814. Corner- 
stone of 2nd edifice, same street, laid June 26, 1821. This (3rd) 
building on west side of N. Pearl st. (Nos. 3S-42) dedicated May 12, 
1834; Jonathan Lyman, architect; $30,000; abandoned for 4th 
location. No. 155 Washington ave., Jan. i, i8g2. 



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No. 39. ERASTUS CORNING. 5II 

1834. 

Lafayette funeral ceremonies performed here with great splendor, 
military and firemen parading under Ma j. -Gen. Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, Jr., as marshal, pallbearers nine Revolutionary com- 
panions, — Gregory, Winne, Hilton, Van Rensselaer, Ryckman, 
Kidney, Van Alstyne, Shields and Russell, the Yorktown o'-d- 
nance, 12-pounder captured by Lafayette, borne in parade; 
eulogy by Rev. Dr. Wm. B. Sprague, July 25. 

Hudson River Steam Boat Co. reduce fare to N. Y. city to $2, 

July 28. 
John Preston urges Common Council to plant elm trees, 
Cholera breaks out, starting epidemic, 
Fifteen cases and 3 deaths from cholera, 
Fourteen new cases and 9 deaths in past three days. 
Five new cases and one death, 
Seven new cases of cholera and six deaths, 
Universalists' new house in Green street dedicated, 
The Theatre remodeled, opened by Wm. Dufify, Sept. 8. 

People's Line of Steamboats started with Nimrod and Champion, 

Sept. 8. 
Cholera epidemic ceases, and cholera hospital closed, Sept. 16. 

Universalists of United States convene on Green street, Sept. 17. 
Re.becca, wife of Schuyler Van Rensselaer, dies at Huron, O., 

Sept. 17. 
Mathias, a wandering impostor on " divine mission," arrested, 

Sept. 22. 
Common Council addressed by P. Norton and two hundred others 
who petition to prevent burning of tar barrels, throwing of 
fire-balls and bonfires at election times, Oct. 6. 

Common Council controversy over the new law, passed May ist by 
Legislature, changing date of election as prescibed in charter 
to be the last Tuesday in September, to first Tuesday in May, 

Oct. 6. 
Burgesses' corps celebrate first anniversary by excursion to Troy, 

Oct. 8. 
Gilbert Ackerman, prosperous and prominent citizen, dies, 

Oct. 11. 
Baptist Church pews (N. Pearl st.) sell for $19,000, 70 unsold, 

Oct. II. 
Rev. Mr. Ide preaches first sermon in Green St. Baptist Church, 

Oct. 12. 

Charter election. Common Council : John E. Lovett, Levi Cornell, 

L Seth Hastings, James D. Wasson, H. Isaac W. Staats, 

Israel Williams, HI. James Maher, Jared Lewis Rathbone, IV. 



512 ERASTUS CORNING. No. 39. 

1834. 

James Gibbons, John N. Ouackenbush, V. Election, Sept. 30; 
sworn in, Oct. 14. 

James King petitions to have Ten Broeck street excavated, 

Oct. 20. 

John Meads remonstrates on behalf of waterworks company against 
opening a square adjacent to contemplated State House on 
Eagle St., Oct. 20. 

Steamboat Novelty with load of Nott's stoves sinks on Over- 
slaugh, Oct. 23. 

Pearl Street Baptist church opened by Rev. J\Ir. Ide, Green St. ch. 
pastor, Oct. 26. 

Killian H. Van Rensselaer dies, aged 23 years, Oct.' 27. 

Daniel Sickles dies, Oct. 27. 

City vote for governor, Seward, 1,523; Marcy, 1,434, Nov. 5. 

Gerrit Y. Lansing elected to congress by majority of 123 votes 
over Daniel D. Barnard, having received 4,944 votes, Nov. 5. 

Isaac Hamilton, repeatedly alderman and supervisor, dies at St. 
Mary's Ga., aged 55 years, Nov. 16. 

Abraham Van A^chten elected president St. Nicholas Benevolent 
Society, Nov. 19. 

J. Sheridan Knowles and oMiss Watson at Albany Theatre, 

Nov. 25. 

Simeon DeWitt, surveyor of the state, in the line of the Con- 
tinental army at capture of Burgoyne, Oct. 17, 1777, man of 
science, dies, Dec. 3. 

Elisha Kane, a prominent citizen, dies aged 64, at Philadelphia. 

Dec. 4. 

Methodist Protestant Society's new " House of Prayer," Hallenbake 
(Grand st.) bet. Beaver and Hudson, dedicated, Dec. 7. 

Fire Department elects Elias A. Brown president, Dec. 8. 

" The Cultivator " first published, Judge Jesse Buel. 

River closed to navigation, Dec. 13. 

Half Way House of Peleg Noyes on Watervliet Turnpike having 
been burned he is given a benefit by friends at the Theatre, 

Dec. 14. 

Leonard Gansevoort, 30 years member of the Common Council and 
for many years a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, aged 
81, dies, Dec. 16. 

Third Dutch Church, Green and Ferry streets, organized, Dec. 19. 

Secession in Reformed Presbyterian Church, Rev. J. S. R. Wilson, 
pastor, leaving for former field in Orange county, Dec. 22. 

Mayor Erastus Corning unanimously re-elected by Common Council, 

Dec. 30. 
• • • 



No. 39. ERASTUS CORNING. 513 



1835. 



1835. 

]\Iayor Erastus Corning takes oath of office a second time, Jan. i. 

Population of the city at this time reported as 28,109, J^i''- i- 

Richard Van Rensselaer's wife, Elizabeth, dies, Jan. i. 

Aims-House superintendent reports 435 paupers therein, Jan. 31. 

Meeting at Eagle Tavern to discuss bridging the river, Feb. 4. 

Apprentices' Library, having existed 14 years, now contains 2,200 
books and 900 volumes are drawn out each month, Feb. 8. 

German Colonial Lodge, No. 16, L O. O. F., instituted, Feb. 13. 

Peter Lansing, Jr., a founder of the St. Nicholas Benevolent 
Society, aged 46 years, dies, Feb. 17. 

Board man & Gray piano factory established on North Pearl street. 

John DePeyster Douw, in youth an officer in commissary depart- 
ment, 1777, resident on the estate that had been kept in the 
Douw family during 140 years, dies at Douw's Point, Green- 
bush, Feb. 22. 

Discusssion by Common Council of grading of the vast unbroken 
area below So. Ferry street, between So. Pearl st. and river, 

March 8. 

Young Men's Association incorporated by an Act of this day, 

March 12. 

William Patterson Van Rensselaer's wife, Eliza Bayard, dies at Ma- 
tanzas, Cuba, whither she had gone for her health, March 20. 

Master Bakers meet at Rising Sun Tavern and decide to sell bread 
to retailers at $9 per hundred and 9 pence to families, 

March 21. 

Cholera relief committee reports disbursing $3,507.30 during 1832 
and to 1835 in aid of sufferers, March 23. 

John T. Norton resigns presidency of Canal Bank on removing from 
city, and Joseph Russell is elected to fill the position, 

March 24. 

River open to navigation, official record, March 25. 

People's Line puts on steamboats Nimrod and Champion. 

People's Line sold to Hudson River Association Line. 

Fire breaks out m Rising Sun Tavern, s. w. cor. So. Pearl and 
Beaver Sts., and extends southward to the Theatre, April 24. 

Charter election, Common Council : G. V. S. Bleecker, John S. 
Walsh, L William Seymour, James D. Wasson, H. Israel 
Williams Arnold Nelson, IH. Lemuel Steele, James Maher, 
IV. John Van Ness, Jr., John N. Ouackenbush, V. Election, 

May 5. 



514 ERASTUS CORNING. No. ^9. 



1835. 



Legislature passes bill chartering Troy & Schenectady railroad, 

May 6. 

James P. Van Benthuysen, aged 62, dies, May 10. 

Legislature, having passed 311 laws, adjourns, among them to incor- 
porate the Young Men's Ass'n, allowing Albany & Schenectady 
turnpike to lay blocks of stone as vehicle tracks ; removing bulk- 
head in basin; incorporating Albany Orphan Asylum, May 11. 

Steamboat Robert L. Stephens begins to ply, May 25. 

Infant schools suspended for lack of funds. May 25. 

Edward Artcher contracts to supply oil to city at 80 cts. gal.. 

May 25. 

Siamese twins. Chang and Eng, make first appearance here in 
Museum, being 18 years of age, June i. 

Grand street (known as Hallenbake st.) contains only one house 
(n. e. cor. Hamilton and Grand streets). 

Steamboat Highlander built by Lawrence & Sneden of New York, 
313 tons, 175x24x8 feet, 41 x 120 in. engine. 

Middle Dutch church bell to be rung at 8 a. m. hereafter, June 8. 

Steamboat Belle put in commission. 

Store Lane changes name to Norton street, June 22. 

The Zodiack begins publication by Erastus Perry, July 25. 

Common Council names committee to study expediency and cost 
to translate the city records from Dutch, Aug. 3. 

City Tract Society organized with Rev. Dr. Welch in chair, and 
elects Stephen Van Rensselaer president, Aug. 4. 

Jeremiah Waterman, aged 45 years, dies, Aug. 14. 

Annual Sabbath school celebration in Capitol park bv 4.000 children. 

Sept. 8. 

Daniel Shields. Revolutionary soldier, aged 70, dies, Sept. 20. 

North America arrives in fast time of 10 hrs. 7 mins., including all 
15 landings, or 8 hrs. 41 mins. running time, Sept. 23. 

Common Council appropriates half expense to enclose ground Mad- 
ison ave., between Eagle and Philip streets, limit $1,000, 

Sept. 28. 

Mayor directs chamberlain to pay on warrant $10,000 to improve 
river navigation below city, Sept. 28. 

The Albany Transcript, first city penny paper, published by C. F. 
Powell & Co., Oct. 12. 

Commercial Bank suflfers loss of $130,000 by absconding cashier, 

Oct. 13. 

Steamboat Champlain, Captain Gorham, arrives in 8 hrs. 45 min. 
running time, Oct. 21. 

Champlain makes trip in <) hrs. 31 mins. including \() landings, 

Oct. 23. 



No. 39. ERASTUS CORNING. 515 

1835-1836. 



Joice Heth, said to be nurse of Washington and i6i years old, at 

the Museum, Oct. 27. 

WilHam Seymour, 12 years alderman, elected to Assembly, 3,888 

votes to 3,620 for Friend Humphrey, Nov. 4. 

Afong Moy, Chinese girl, explains at Museum how feet are made 

small in that country, Nov. 11. 

Edward S. Willett's silk hat factory, first in city, burned out at 
■ cor. Green and Bassett streets, Nov. 13. 

Stanwix Hall (s. e. cor. Broadway and Maiden Lane) erected. 
River closed to navigation for season, Nov. 30. 

Boats that arrived and departed by canal past year 10,960, Dec. i. 
Capt. Stephen Stilwell, ship Rosalie, dies off Cape Horn, Dec. 7. 
Thermometer 12 degrees below zero, Dec. 16. 

Connecticut Coffee House, So. Market and Hamilton, burned, 

Dec. 18. 
Fire department expenses $3477.16, 
Common Council re-elects Erastus Corning, Mayor, receiving 10 

votes, and Francis Bloodgood 8 votes, Dec. 21. 



1836. 



Common Council assembles and Recorder James McKown admin- 
isters Mayor's oath to Erastus Corning, who was re-elected, on 
December 21st, to succeed himself, Jan. i. 

State Museum is organized and occupies the old State Hall. 

January. 

Opening of the Pier at Alaidert' Lane authorized, January. 

Clerk of Common Council Rufus W. Peckham resigns, and Peter 
Carmichael is elected in his stead, Feb. i. 

Survey made for bridge over the Hudson and canal to Schenectady, 

Feb. I. 

Isaac D. Verplanck, the last survivor of original proprietors of 
Coeymans patent and a Revolutionary soldier, aged yj, dies 
there, Feb. 4. 

Stark's New England Tavern, opp. Steamboat landing, burned, 

Feb. 9. 

Wm. Duffy, manager of Albany Theatre, fatally stabbed by actor, 
John Hamilton, who is arrested, Feb. 10. 

Citizens meet at City Hall, Erastus Corning in chair, and resolve 
that the ferries being inadequate there should be a bridge. 

Feb. II, 



5l6 ERASTUS CORNING. No. 39. 



1836. 



Jared Holt's leather store, south side of Hudson ave. east of Green 
St., burned, loss $15,000, thermometer 18 below zero, Feb. 18. 

Rev. Wm. Linn Keese, former pastor of St. Paul's, aged 33, dies 
Cuba, Feb. 19. 

Ezra Ames, prominent portrait artist, aged 68, dies, Feb. 23. 

Hon. Alfred Conkling publishes " Young Christian's Manual," 

March i. 

Assembly committee reports against a bridge over the Hudson, 

March 11. 

Wm. Duffy, manager of the Albany Theatre, stabbed Feb. loth, 
aged 33, a native of Albany and intimate of Edwin Forrest, 
dies, March 12. 

Albany Bethel Union society formed to furnish moral improvement 
among boatmen and elects Stephen Van Rensselaer president, 

March 12. 

Stages still running to Poughkeepsie on the river ice, March 27. 

Lancaster school, on Eagle St., closes doors by order of Common 
Council, being replaced by new district school system, 

March 28. 

Common Council decides to open space in the Pier between the 
small Columbia and State street bridges thereto, ]\Iarch 28. 

Common Council decides to allow Mohawk & Hudson Railroad to 
extend its tracks Gansevoort to So. Ferry street, March 28. 

Rev. Isaac Ferris resigns from Middle Dutch church, March 28. 

Mr. Bloodgood reports to the Common Council in favor of making 
a translation of the City's Dutch records, March 28. 

Ezra Ames' widow, Zipporah, aged 61, dies, April 9. 

Application to Legislature to incorporate Medical college, April 10. 

Pier opening authorized by Legislative Act, April 14. 

First State geological and mineralogical survey ordered, April 15. 

River open to navigation, April 15. 

Steamboat Swallow built by William Capes of Brooklyn, 426 tons, 
224 X 22 X 8y2 feet, 46 X 120 in. engine. 

People's Line revived, as a night line, by Daniel Drew. April. 

Steamboat Rochester built by Smith & Dimon of New York, 491 
tons, 209x24x85/^ feet, 43x120 in. engine, April. 

Hon. Erastus Corning imports expensive highly bred cattle. April. 

City Hall, formerly used, at n. e. corner of So. Market st. (Broad- 
way) and Hudson street (avenue) so completely wrecked by 
fire that its removal became necessary. It was here that the 
Colonial Congress assembled to discuss a new government of 
States, April 30. 

Gibbonsville assumes name of West Troy, April 30, 



No. 39. ERASTUS CORNING. 517 

1836. 

Pearl street theatre managed (until Oct.. 1837) by Dinneford & 
Blake, May 4. 

Consolidation of small railroads assuming title of Albany & West 
Stockbridge railroad, electing Marcus T. Reynolds president, 

May 5. 

Schuyler Van Rensselaer dies at ^^larietta, Ohio, May 5. 

Dr. Ebenezer Emmons conducts survey of Northern New York. 

Albany Alutual Insurance Co. fonned, Dr. B. P. Staats, pres't, 

May 10. 

Fur stores of Packer, Prentice & Co., and Geo. C. Treadwell, bum, 

May 19. 

While improving north area of Dutch church on south side of 
Beaver st., gravestone of Mayor (2nd) Abeel thrown out, 

May 19. 

Legislature adjourns, session of 143 days. May 26. 

Subscriptions opened for the Albany Exchange, May 26. 

Mechanics & Farmers' Bank elects Thomas W. Olcott its (5th) 
president, June 7. 

Pye tavern on Watervliet turnpike burned badly, June 13. 

Capt. Samuel Wis wall, associated with Fulton and Livingston m 
steamboat navigation, aged 63, dies in N. Y. city, (burial Hud- 
son), June 27. 

Stage line on Broadway (first street transfers) operated by Josiah 
Webster. 

Benj. Allen, former Albany Academy principal, age 65. dies at Hyde 
Park. July 20. 

Steamboat Norwich built by Lawrence & Sneden of New York, 255 
tons. 160 X 25 X 9 feet. 40 x 120 in. engine. 

Capt. Stewart Dean, famous world navigator, of Albany, after whom 
Dean street was named, aged 90, dies in New York city, 

Aug. 5. 

Common Council petitioned to subscribe to Albany & West Stock- 
bridge railroad stock, and deliberates thereon, Aug. 20. 

Mrs. Gertrude Tremper, dau. of late Moses Cantine, dies, Aug. 20. 

Harmanus H. Wendell dies, Aug. 20. 

Trial of omnibus line through North and South Market streets 
(Broadway) at 6 cts., made by Jos. Webster, but walking pre- 
ferred, Sept. II. 

Hudson River Rail Road subscription books opened, Sept. 15. 

New steamboat Rhode Island first appears, Sept. 29. 

Rev. Isaac N. WyckoiT, Catskill, accepts call 2nd Dutch church, 

Sept. 29. 



5l8 ERASTTS CORNING. ' No. 39. 

1836-1837. 



Steamboat Swallow, Captain McLean, makes first appearance, 

Oct. 4. 

Common Council by vote of 17 to i resolves to subscribe $250,000 to 
Albany & West Stockbridge road. Dr. Bay in negative, 

Oct. 4. 

Albany Military Ass'n elects Lt.-Col. John B. Van Schaick president, 

Oct. 4. 

Steamboat Swallow makes record trip, in 8 hrs. 42 mins., Oct. 8. 

Albany Exchange building corner-stone laid at noon by John Town - 
send, address by John O. Wilson, Ruel Clapp, builder, con- 
taining current coin in vase, papers and names of 367 sub- 
scribers, Nov. I. 

Steamboats Rochester and Swallow race from New York, latter 6 
miles ahead breaks down at Coxsackie, other's time 8 hrs. 20 
mins., Nov. i. 

The " New York Express " prints in morning news from " Albany 
Evening Journal " sent by boat at night, considered rapid news 
service, Nov. 15. 

Abraham Van Vechten elected pres't St. Nicholas Benevolence Soc, 

Nov. 20. 

James Hilton, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 84, dies, Dec. 7. 

River closes to navigation and last tow departs. Dec. 7. 

Evening Journal furnishes President's Message 24 hours in advance 
of the mail, coming from New York by boat to Rhinebeck, by 
stage to Hudson, messenger carrying it from there, 32 miles, 
in 2 hrs., Dec. 8. 

St. Paul's Church fair l)v ladies at Stanwix Hall nets $1,200, 

Dec. 18. 

Hon. Erastus Corning is re-elected Mayor by the Common Council, 
receiving 11 votes, and Tennis Van Vechten 7 votes, Dec. 19. 



1837. 



Hon. Erastus Corning again assumes office of Mayor, Jan. 2. 

Legislature convenes, Jan. 3. 

Theodore Olcott's wife, Eliza, aged 25 years, dies, Jan. 3. 

Abraham Van Vechten, a most prominent citizen, dies, Jan. 6. 

Dr. Alden March applies to Legislature for use of Lancaster school 
building, (west side of Eagle, bet. Lancaster and Jay sts.) as a 
medical college, providing charter is granted the college, 

Jan. 9. 



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No. 39. ERASTUS CORNING. 519 

1837. 

Robert Gray, first librarian of Y. M. A., aged 35. dies, Feb. 19. 

Mrs. Rachael Bleecker, widow of James Bleecker and mother of 
G. \\ S. Bleecker, aged 79, dies, March 22 

Ice moves out and navigation commences. March 28. 

The Daily Advertiser sold by J. B. Van Schaick & Co. to Rensselaer 
\^an Rensselaer, this paper printing in the morning news from 
evening New York papers brought by boat, April 18. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer by his will of this date bequeaths the 
manor and lands on this side of river to eldest son, Stephen, 
those on east side to second son, William Patterson, April 18. 

Third Dutch Reformed Church corner-stone, corner of Green and 
So. Ferry streets, laid by Rev. Drs. Ferris, Vermilyea and I. N. 
Wyckoff of the Dutch Reformed churches and Rev. Dr. Wm. 
B. Sprague of the Presbyterian Church, the act performed by 
the venerable Christian Miller ; ground given by Hon. Stephen 
Van Rensselaer, April 20. 

Experiment with steamboat N. Cobb, using Bennett's improved 
steam generator, to reach New York using only 31/2 cords of 
wood ; but ran only two-thirds of the distance with that amount, 

^lay 8. 

Hon. Erastus Corning, Mayor, resigns the office which he had filled 
for several years with universal satisfaction. May 8. 

Banks cease specie payments. New York banks day previous. 

May II. 



(See No. 40.) 



No. 40. 

S^unta Han H^rlit^it. 



May 15, 1837 — Dec. 31,1837. 
Jan. 1, 1838 — Dec. 31, 1838. 
Jan. 1, 1839 — Jan. 21,1839. 

May 11, 1841 — May 9,1842. 



No. 40. 
TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. 

Date of office: (a) May 15. 1837 — December 31. 1837. 

(b) January i, 1838 — December 31, 1838. 

(c) Tanuary 1,1839 — January 21. 1839 (resigns). 

(d) ^lay II, 1841 — May 9. 1842. 
Date of election: (a) May 15, 1837. 

(b) December 27, 1837. 

(c) December 2y, 1838. 

(d) April 13, 1841. 
Vote: (a) 14. 

(b) Unanimous. 

(c) Unanimous. 

(d) 2,449. 

Opponent: (a) John Woodworth. 

(b) None. 

(c) None. 

(d) Gerrit Yates Lansing. 
l^ote: (a) i. 

(b) o. 

(c) o. 

(d) 2,339, blank and scattering 40. 
Total vote: (a) 15. 

(b) 21. 

(c) 21. 

(d) 4,828. 

Date of birth: November 4, 1785. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Teunis (V. V.) and Elizabeth De Wandelaer. 

Education: Union College. 

iMarried to: Catherine Cuyler Gansevoort. 

Date: December 4, 1810. 

Children: (10) Elizabeth Anna, Leonard Gansevoort, Hester Eliza- 
beth, Samuel, Teunis, John Beekman. Cuyler, John, Catherine 
Cuyler, Cuyler. 

Residence : No. 15 Montgomery street. 

Occupation: Lawyer. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: February 4, 1859. 

Place of death: No. 725 Broadway. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Alderman. Supervisor. President Albany Insurance Co. 
Attorney for Patroon (Gen.) Stephen \"an Rensselaer. Noted 
for integrity, industry, economy, hospitality. Admitted to the 
bar in 1870. 




From a 
Twitchell, 
Albany. 



40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. 
1837-39; 1841-42. 
photograph by Brown, xA^lbany, from an oil painting by Asa W. 
owned in 1904 by his granddaughter, Miss Anna Van Vechten, 



No. 40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN, 523 

1837. 

(Continued from No. 39.) 
183 7. 



Teunis \'aii A'echten elected Mayor by Common Council, 14 votes, 

May 15. 

Charter election, Common Council : Gerit Van Sant Bleecker, 
Charles S. Olmstead, I. Ichabod .L. Judson, Josiah Winants, 
II. John W. Bay, John Groesbeck, III. Henry A. Williams, 
Seth Jarvis, IV. James Gibbons, Daniel D. Shaw, V. Election, 
May 2; sworn in. May 15. 

Legislature adjourns, session of 134 days, passing 478 laws, May 16. 

Richard S. Treat, alderman many years, aged 68, dies. May 22. 

Elisha B. Janes, late principal Pearl street Academy, 36, dies. 

May 22. 

At Common Council meeting John Townsend and others petition 
Board to issue bills under five dollars to supply change ; but it 
was later on adversely reported by finance committee. May 29. 

Grocers meet and protest that they are merely collectors for bakers, 
and would take no more bread for sale until a reform, June 6. 

Francis C. Pruyn dies, June 14. 

Steamboat Utica built by William Capes of Brooklyn, 340 tons, 
180 X 21 X 8y2 feet, 43 x 120 in. engine. 

Benjamin Van Benthuysen's wife, Susan, aged 52, dies, June 22. 

Gen. Robert Dunbar, Jr., more than 30 years principal agent for the 
Patroon, aged 64, dies, June 30. 

Pier Company refused by Common Council permission to widen the 
Pier by 15 feet, July 13. 

Five large lines of steamboats to New York in operation, namely 
Old Line, People's Line, Night Line, Day Line, and Eagle Line, 
some days the rate, 50 cents, then $3 for passage per person, 

July 15- 

Steamboat Utica built by People's Line, July. 

Eagle Tavern, made famous by Landlord Leverett Cruttenden, taken 
over by H. H. Crane of Rochester, July 20. 

Disastrous fire in So. Market street (Broadway) sweeping block 
bounded by that street, Hamilton, Division and Quay streets, 

July 21. 

Leonard Gansevoort Van Vecliten, aged 25, dies, July 24. 

Catherine Clinton, wife of ex-Mayor Ambrose Spencer, aged 58, 
dies, Ausf. 20. 



524 TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. No. 4O. 

1837. 

Common Council refuses license to a circus that had been erected on 
Kane's Walk, advocated by Aid. John Groesbeck, Aug. 26. 

Common Council repeals a law prohibiting circus exhibitions in the 
city, by a vote of 11 to 6, Sept. 4. 

Common Council appropriates $1,000 to improve river channel, 
which could not have resulted in extensive good, Sept. 5. 

Eagle street, still unopened, directed to be pitched and paved fron\ 
Hudson street (avenue) to Lydius street ( ^ladison ave.), 

Sept. 5. 

Albanv City Bank sued for extending building beyond street line, 
judgment of ^2^ ; but continue to build, Sept. 5. 

Robert Martin, proprietor of Albany Daily Advertiser, 39, dies, 

Sept. 8. 

Wife of Rev. Dr. W'm. B. Sprague, Alary L., aged 33. dies, 

Sept. 16. 

Common Council elects San ford Cobb city chamberlain in place of 
P. A\ Shankland, who resigned, /' Sept. 29. 

Alban}' Water-works Co. uses Middle creek (in conjunction with 
the Maezlandt kill). 

Common Council discusses instituting a city comptroller, as about 
$400,000 passes annually through the chamberlain ; referred, 

Oct. 2. 

Simeon l)e\\ltt lUoodgood, Britton B. Tallman and Isaac N. Corn- 
stock elected commissioners under Legislative act to attend to 
the erection of district school houses, Cct. 2. 

Douw Fonda's wife, Matilda, dies, Oct. 3. 

Pearl Street Theatre (Leland, Proctor) managed (until March 30, 
1839) by Thomas Fuller, Oct. 5. 

(Jbadiah R. \ an Benthuysen's wife, Sarah, aged 52, dies, Nov. 7 

Daniel D. Barnard elected to Assembly, and John B. Van Schaick 
to the vSenate ; Michael Artcher, sheriff, Nov. 9. 

Albany Evening Journal for first time displays the cut of an eagle, 
reaching across the top of the front page, wdiich for fifty years 
afterwards was used by it or loaned to Argus, depending on 
results of the political victories ; and on this occasion sarcas- 
tically queried the old saying of the Democrats, " As goes the 
Fourth ward, so goes the state.'' Nov. 9 

American Lodge, No. ^2, 1. O. O. F., instituted, Dec. 5. 

River closed to navigation (official record), Dec. 13. 

Mayor Temiis \'an A'echten re-elected by Common Council, 

Dec 2y. 
• • • 




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No. 40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. 525 

1838. 



1838. 

Mayor Tennis Van Vechten again assumes office, Jan. i. 

Firemen's Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., instituted, Jan. 4. 

The Family Newspaper first issued by Solomon Southwick, weekly, 

Jan. 6. 

Medical fraternity meets, Dr. Jonathan Eights presiding, and passes 
a resolution advocating a city hospital, Jan. 7. 

O. M. Coleman, local mechanic of ingenuity, displays his automaton, 
a female figure playing a musical instrument, Jan. 10. 

Commercial Bank, ahead of others, resumes specie payments, 

Jan. II. 

Packer, Prentice & Co.'s fur manufactory on Water street de- 
stroyed by fire, with loss $5,000, Jan. 29. 

Alms-house superintendent reports 639 paupers therein, Feb. 5. 

Superintendent of alms-house salary raised to $550, Feb. 5. 

Orville L. Holley appointed State surveyor-general, Feb. 5. 

Common Council petitioned to open Colonic street from No. Market 
(Broadway) to Orchard (No. Pearl) street, Feb. 5. 

Mail from east lost by ice of river breaking, Feb. 5. 

Isaiah Townsend, native of Orange county, senior member of I. & 
J. Townsend, iron founders and metal merchants for 36 years, 
enterprising and liberal, aged 61, dies, and at a meeting of 
merchants that day, Erastus Corning presiding, it was resolved 
to close all the stores of the city and attend his funeral, Feb. 17. 

Columbia Distilling Co. (John Tracey,— existing in 1906) Dean 
street, established. 

Common Council orders Fifth ward burial-ground closed, March 19. 

River opened to navigation, March 29. 

Sloops running to New York number 249, schooners 129, April i. 

Common Council passes law to have excavated the enormous mound 
on north side of Hamilton street, west of Eagle street, April 2. 

Common Council unanimously adopts resolution of John Davis to 
lease the Lancaster school building on west side of Eagle street 
free of rent for five years to the Albany JMedical College, 

April 16. 

E. C. Delavan's mother, Mrs. Hannah Delavan, dies, April 20. 

Bank of Albany recovers from recent panic and pays out again its 
own bills, made from new plates, April 26. 

Benjamin Lattimer, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 78, dies, April 30. 

City expenses for past year were $240,426.92, reported, May i. 



526 TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. No. 4O. 

1838. 

Charter election, Common Council : G. V. S. Bleecker, Charles S. 
Olmstead, I. Ichbold L. Jiulson, Josiah Winants, II. John W. 
Bray, John Davis, Hi. Henry A. Williams, Seth Jarvis, IV. 
Thomas McElroy, Andrew Kirk, V. Election, May 2. 

Albany Daily xA-dvertiser passes into hands of former owners, E. W. 
and Chas. Skmner, and is edited by John B. Van Schaick, 

May 8. 

Common Council orders paving of Hallenbake (Grand) street from 
Hudson avenue to Lydius ( Madison ave. ) street, on petition of 
Abram Koonz, owner of first house so far south in the city as 
northeast corner of Grand and Hamilton streets, standing as an 
outpost, May 8. 

Douw Fonda, aged 74 years, dies. May 17. 

Albany Medical College founded by Drs. Alden March and James 
H. Armsby, with the following professors: Dr. Alden March, 
surgery ; Prof. E. Emmons, chemistry and natural history ; Dr. 
J. H. Armsby, anatomy and physiology ; Dr. Henry Green, 
obstetrics and diseases of women and children ; Dr. David 
McLachlan, materia medica and pharmacy ; Dr. Thomas Hun, 
institutes of medicine; Amos Dean, medical jurisprudence; 
David M. Reese, theory and practice of medicine ; fees for the 
course $75, May 16. 

James Goold & Co.'s coach factory destroyed by fire with loss of 
$45,000, and being considered a public calamity citizens loaned 
him $20,000 without interest for five years to build anew ; insur- 
ance having been but $19,000, May 25. 

Common Council removes John O. Cole, police magistrate and a 
terror to evildoers, appointing thereto H^azael Kane, June 4. 

Erastus Corning is elected president of the new Utica & Schenec- 
tady railroad, later to be part of N. Y. Central road, June 4. 

The state purchases the residence of Edwin Croswell, No. 29 Elk 
street, as a home for its governors, paying $19,000, June 8. 

Celebration of Independence Day, Thomas W. Harman, orator ; 
John B. \^an Schaick, reader, riiiladelphia State Fencibles 
parading, July 4. 

J. Silk Buckingham, famed traveler, delivers course of lectures on 
Egypt at Female Academy, July 4. 

The Daily Patriot, abolition, started by J. G. Wallace. July 4. 

Death of Leverett Cruttenden at Bridgeport, Conii., aged 67, long 
the landlord of Congress Hall, and subsequently of the Eagle 
Tavern. His establishment known as the House of Lords lie- 
cause of the prominent characters stojiping there, was started 
m 1814 and conducted by him with great eclat for sixteen 
years, July 14. 



A,J0. 40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. 527 



1838-1839. 



Third Presbyterian Church, Montgomery street, opened on repair- 
ing, J"iy 22. 

Watts Sherman's wife, Sarah L., aged 22, dies, Aug. 4. 

Third Dutch Church receives new bell, weighing 3,123 lbs., Aug. 23 
Second Methodist Church opens meeting-room. No. 2 Green street, 

Aug. 31. 

Navigation committee of Common Council reports expendmg 

$96,090.55 improving the basin, and requiring $36,250 further, 

Sept. r/. 

Harmanus Bleecker given public dinner on going abroad, Sept. 2^. 

Common Council passes law for paving of Eagle street for first 

time between Hudson avenue and Lvdius street (Madison ave.), 

Oct. 14- 
Daniel D. Barnard elected to Congress and John Davis to Assembly ; 
the vote for Governor Marcy 518 less than Wm. Seward's, 

Nov. 7. 

Mrs. Anne Grant, author of " Memoirs of an American Lady," re- 
ferrino- to Mrs Philip Schuvler, dies at Edinburgh, aged 84, 

"^ ■ Nov. 7. 

Elsie A'an Rensselaer, aged 79, dies, . Nov. 21. 

River closed (official record), ^^o^- ^S- 

Hector H. Crane, keeper of Eagle Tavern, aged 44, dies. Nov. 27. 
Albany Exchange Bank formed with capital of $100,000 and John 

O Wilson 'its first president-, Geo. W. Stanton, vice-president. 

^ Dec. 12. 

Joseph Russell, president of Canal Bank, aged 62. dies. Dec. 25. 
Barnum Whipple, harbor-master, reports that exclusive of canal- 
boats 6 180 vessels had arrived and departed during season, 

Dec. 26. 

Teunis Van A^echten re-elected Mayor, Dec. 27. 



1839 



Mayor Teunis Van \'echten again assumes office, Jan. i. 

William H. Seward inaugurated Governor, Jan. i. 

Albany Medical College opened by Dr. David M. Reese lecture. 

-^ Jan. 2. 

Col. Tohn B. Van Schaick, cultured in literature and editor of the 
Albany Daily Advertiser, aged 35, dies, Jan. 3. 



')2S TEUNIS VAxV VECHTEN. No. 4O. 



1839, 1841. 



Common Council discusses at a special mcelint;- propriety of assum- 
ing all c.\])ense constructing Albany & West Stockbridge rail- 
road, ' Jan. 3. 

Erection of a hospital advocated at meeting by Dr. Jonathan lights 
and Dr. John Mason F. Cogswell, former presiding, latter sec- 
retary, Jan. 7. 

John Wan Ness Yates, son of Chief Justice Yates, and who came 
to city at age of 14 to study law in ofifice of John \\ Henry. 
60, dies. Jan. 10. 

]May(^r Teunis ^'an A'echten resigns, Jan. 21. 

• • • 

(See No. 41.) 



(Continued from Xo. 41.) 
1841. 



Teunis \ an \ echten, following J. L. Rathbone, again assumes office 
of Ma}'or. May i t . 

Charter election, Mayor, Teunis V-au A'echten ; Common Council: 
John Simpson, Francis Drvan, I. Thomas Blank, William F. 
Malburn, TI. G. ^^ S. F.leccker, William Stead, III. John D. 
Hewson, Charles S. Olmstead, IV. John O. Wilson. Robert 
C. Russell, V. Thomas McElroy, Thaddeus Joy, W. Charles 
Chapman, John Kenyon, VII. John Mc Knight, William P>. 
Stanton, \'1IT. George Merrifield, Thomas Kirkpatrick. TX. 
r^lichael Artchcr. Joshua T. Jones, X. Election, April 13 ; sworn 
in. ^lay 1 r. 

Albany Gaslight Co., incorporated March 27th, plans building a 
plant, May 12. 

Steamboat Troy makes trip to Xew \'ork in 8 hrs. 10 mins.. claimed 
fastest trip on record. Mav 13. 

Albany Rural Cemetery site selected, four miles north of citv, to 
west of IVoy Road, Mav 14. 

George Pomeroy inaugurates first express line in America, his com- 
pany, with headquarters here, running to Buffalo. May 15. 

Common Council resolves to remove the South Market located at 
the Steamboat Square, formerly called the Watering-Place 
when owned by the Dutch Church, and to lease the same as a 
steamboat landing. May 21. 




LAKE BETHESDA. 




CYPRESS WATER, 



RURAL CEMETERY GROUNDS. 

The place is noted throughout America as being unsurpassed for scenery of 
natural beauty ; site to west of Troy Road, midway Albany and Troy, selected 
A^ay 14, 1841 ; grounds laid out by David B. Douglas, LL. D. There were 400 
acres and 30 miles of drives in 1906; interments to 1907 about 65,000. 



Xo. 40. TEUXIS VAX VECHTEX. 529 



1841. 



Beth Jacob congregation dedicate new synagogue at Xo. 8 Rose 

( Mosher ) street, the first of the kind in the city, ^lay 25. 

Albany GasHght Co. subscription books opened. May 25. 

Legislature adjourns after session of 140 days ; t,^- ^^ws, ^lay 26. 

Trinity Church built. Franklin and Herkimer streets. June. 

Common Council elects Robert Hewson Pruyn city attorney. 

June 14. 
Tames King, eminent attorney, member Board of Regents and 
Chancellor since death of Simeon DeWitt. aged S^. dies. 

June 20. 

Samuel S. Lush, assemblyman and leading lawyer, aged 58, dies, 

Jime 21. 

State Agricultural Society re-organized. 

Common Council passes law to fill in LIudson street pond. June 28. 

Independence Dav orator. John A. Dix : reader, Thos. :Mc:\Iullen. 

July 4- 

A Xorth ferry operated by steam power, July ^O- 

Bethel Church opened on Pier near Hamilton street bridge. July 14. 

:\rechanics opposed to state prison labor system meet at City Hall, 
George Yance presiding, address by H. H. Van Dyck, nothing 
accomplished bv the heated discussion, July 22. 

Board of Trade organizes, George W. Stanton acting as chairman, 
Daniel Fry assecretary. and constitution adopted. July 2/. 

Henry Van Benthuysen's widow. Cathline, aged 79, dies. Aug. 13. 

Albert Ryckman. long an alderman, aged 77, dies, Aug. 24. 

Ambrose' Spencer Townsend. aged 28. dies. Aug. 24. 

St. John's cemetery on Delaware avenue purchases site. Aug. 28. 

State Fair first held. 

Citizens favoring protection to American industry by government 
hold meeting in ("Old") Capitol. Thomas W. Olcott pre- 
siding, and resolutions presented by ISIarcus T. Reynolds, John 
A' L^ Pruvn Stevens, and from Xew York city Joseph Blunt, 

Sept. 2. 

Mechanics hold state convention to oppose prison labor. Sept. 2. 

Board of Trade fullv organizes. John Townsend, president, Sept. 9. 

Sheriff Adams goes 'to the Helderbergs with a posse in order to ac- 
complish sale of farms for back rentals. Sept. Q. 

State Fair of X. Y. State Agricultural Society. (Joel B Xott. 
Pres't.) first held. Syracuse. 

Board of Trade condemn the change of terminus of the :Mohawk & 
Hudson railroad to foot of So. Ferry street, abandoning head 
of State street station for passengers, Sept. 16. 



530 TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. No. 4O. 

1841. 

MoliHwk (S: Iliulson railroad commencing" to remove tracks leading 
to the station from junction on Western avenue to head of 
State street, citizens organize a stage line and begin transfer- 
ring about 200 passengers daily to the Junction. Sept. 22, 

Elizabeth Bayard Camj^bell dies at \"an Rensselaer Manor, Sept. 25. 

Rev. Hodge, Green street Baptist church pastor, preaches farewell, 

Sept. 26. 

Third, or South, Dutch Reformed Church, So. Ferry and Green 
streets, erected 1837 at cost $13,000, burned to the walls, 

Sept. 28.. 

Line of 12 stages from Schenectadv, 112 aboard, pass down State 
street, Oct. 9. 

John A. Dix elected to Assembly, 535 majority over Azor Taber, 
and Erastus Corning State Senator, majority 571, Xov. 2. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington avenue and Swan street, 
corner-stone laid ceremoniously by Rev. Wm. B. Sprague of 
the Second Presbvterian church, exercises being held in " Old "^ 
Capitol, under the pastoral charge of Rev. James Rawson, 

Xov. 9. 

Common Council accepts proposition of directors of ^Mohawk & 
Hudson road ofifering the city for $150,000 their State street 
property, city to bear expense of doing away witli inclined 
planes at both ends of the road, the Albany terminal to be by 
locomotive power as near centre of city as possible, Nov. 16. 

Jacob N. Clute, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 82, dies, Xov. 21. 

David Wood, president of Canal Bank, aged 48, dies, X'^ov. 26. 

Common Coimcil ]:)etitioned by J. Hall and 42 others to remove 
Arbor Mill burial-ground, as a nuisance to vicinity, Dec. 13. 

I'irst locomotive ai rives from Boston on Western Railroad Com- 
pany's line, thus oj^ening a winter route to Xew York by wa}- 
of Hai tf;)rd and Xew Haven, in 32 hours without night travel, 
passengers leaving train at Greenbush and crossing on ferr^^ 

Dec. 19. 

River closed to navigation, Dec. K). 

Rev. Duncan Kennedy inslalled pastor X'orth Dutch Church, 

Dec. 23. 

Alargaretta Wright, wife of (future ^layor ) William Parmelee, 
aged 2^, dies at Lansingburg, Dec. 2.\. 

Celebration in honor of first train from Boston and com])letion of 
the Western Railroad, bringing 125 Massachuse+.ts guests, ^vho 
are escorted by the military from Greenbush. ferry to Stanwix 
Hall for a l)an(|uet given by Air. Landon, Dec 28. 



No. 40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. 5311 

1842. 



1842. 

Lyman Root, an eminent and wealthy citizen, identified with city's 
commercial enterprises forty years, aged 63, dies, Jan. i. 

Abraham Cuyler's widow, Elizabeth, dies, Jan. 17. 

First Presbyterian Church gives concert participated in by lamous 
English singer, Braham, Jan. 24. 

Gideon Hawley chosen Regent, vice late James King, Feb. i. 

River open to navigation, Feb. 4. 

Steamboat Telegraph arrives despite great freshet, Feb. 6. 

Azariali C. Flagg appointed State Comptroller a second time. 

Feb. 7. 

Mr. Samuel F. B. ^lorso. of New York city, had invented a practical 
form of machine by which to operate an electric telegraph, its 
primitive form intended to make use of movable type, to print 
characters on a paper tape, employing the " intensity " magnet 
that Professor Henry, of Albany, had discovered in 1828, and 
which he had publicly described in his paper read before The 
Albany Institute in March, 1829, and also published, without 
which peculiar magnet and until its application was pointed out 
to Morse by his assistant, L. D. Gale, he could not make an 
electric current operate (by Gale's own testimony) doing the 
best they knew how, for a distance any greater than from 15 to 
40 feet, at which distance the current was so weak as to be 
barely discoverable. Morse had come to Professor Henry at 
Princeton several times, while the former was perfecting his in- 
vention, about 1837, seeking scientific advice in relation to his 
machine that he was inventing, and Henry had freely accorded 
it to him, placing all his knowledge at his disposal. It is inter- 
esting to note (in view of a published attack of Morse of 90 
pages printed in a work for which he was responsible, in 1845) 
that when the Government was deciding the advisability of ap- 
propriating the sum of $30,000 to allow Morse to run an experi- 
mental line between Washington and Baltimore, it had sought 
first the knowledge, as to whether it was likely to work, from 
Professor Henry, and on him the decision as to making an ap- 
propriation rested. (Henry endorsed Morse's machine as prac- 
tical ; the bill for the appropriation was introduced by Hon. C. 
G. Ferris of New York, in December, 1842; passed the House 
Feb. 23, 1843, and the Senate on ]\ larch 3rd, to be operated 
under Morse's patent filed April 7, 1838, issued June 20, 1840; 
the four \vires extended between the two cities, 40 miles, and 



532 TEUNIS N'AN VECHTEN. No. 40. 

1842. 

the first message was sent on May 24, 1843.) This letter, writ- 
ten by Professor Henry to Morse (described by Morse's biogra- 
pher as " the most encouraging communication Professor Morse 
received during the dark ages between 1839 and 1843,") was 
appended to the Congressional bill to influence its passage, and 
shows Henry's willingness to help even those working along 
similar lines, and for which aid Henry was never accorded any- 
thing but jealous antagonism by Alorse : " My Dear Sir: I am 
pleased to learn that you have again petitioned Congress in 
reference to your telegraph ; and I most sincerely hope you will 
succeed in convincing our Representatives of the importance of 
the invention ■'■ '■•'■ * Science is now fully ripe for this ap- 
plication, and 1 have not the least doubt, if proper means be 
afforded, of the perfect success of the invention * * * and 
unless some essential improvements have lately been made in 
these European plans, I should prefer the one invented by your- 
self. Yours truly, Joseph Henry, Princeton, N. J.," Feb. 24. 

Common Council by vote 10 to 6 agrees to widen So. Pearl street 
by taking 15 feet from west side, from State to Howard street, 

March 7. 

State Plouse on Eagle street. Pine to Steuben street, completed, 
costing $350,000. 

Charter election: Mayor ^ — Barent P. Staats, Democratic, 2,868 
votes ; John Townsend, Whig, 2,532 votes ; total votes cast, 
5,400; Staats' majority being 336 votes, April 12. 



(See No. 42.") 



No. 41. 



Jan. 24, 1839— Dec. 31, 1839. 
Jan. 1. 1840— May 1 1, 1840. 
May 12, 1840— May 11. 1841. 



No. 41. 
JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 

Date of office: (a) January 24. 1839 — December 31. 1839. 

(b) January i. 1840 — ]\Iay 11. 1840. 

(c) May 12, 1840 — May 10, 1841. 
Date of election: (a) January 21, 1839. 

(b) December 30, 1839. 

(c) ]\ray 5, 1840. 
Political /^arty: Whig. 

Vote: (a) Appointed bv Common Council, A'an A'ecbten resigned. 

(b) . 

(c) 2,466. 
Opponent: (a) None. 

(b) None. 

(c) Erastus Corning, (cc") Barent Sanders. 
Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: (a) None. 

(b) . 

(c) 2,099, (cc) 4, blank and scattering 19. 
l\:>tal vote: (a) None. 

(b) . 

(c) 4.588- 

Date of birth: August 2, 1791. 

Place of birth: Salem, Conn. 

Parents: Samuel (R.) and Lydia Sparhawk. 

Education: Good schooling. 

Married to: Pauline Noyes Pinney. 

Date: June 26, 1834. 

Children: (2) Henry Reed, Jared Lawrence. 

Residence: No. 28 Eagle street, corner State street. 

Occupation: Provision merchant. 51 Quay street. 

Rclii^ion: Baptist. 

Date of death: May 13, 1845. 

Place of death : No. 28 Eagle street. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Last Mayor chosen by Common Council. Elected to 
complete Van \ echten's term. Eirst Mayor elected by popu- 
lar vote. President Alban\- Medical College. .\lderman. 
Benevolent. 



No. 41- JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 535 

1839. 

(Continued from No. 40.) 
1839. 



Jared Lewis Rathbone, having been elected Mayor by the Common 
Council on January 21st, Mayor Teunis \'an \"echten having 
resigned, assumes the duties of that office, Jan. 24. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, III., aged 75 years, Patroon of the Van 
Rensselaer Manor, dies. He had lived a life that had brought 
him honor and esteem of his fellow citizens, and his reputation 
as a cultured, liberal and virtuous man extended well beyond 
his city. He was fifth in descent from the original founder or 
patroon, and was born Nov. i, 1764, in New York city, his 
mother being Catherine, daughter of Philip Livingston. He 
married Margaret, third daughter of Gen. Philip Schuyler, at 
Saratoga, before twenty years of age, and, as a widower, he 
married Cornelia, only daughter of William Paterson. in May, 
1802. Was member of State Assembly and State Senate, Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, and Congressman ; in military affairs dis- 
tinguished himself as major-general by placing the American 
flag victoriously on the Heights of Oueenstown, Canada, in the 
War of 1812, on Oct. 13th. Daniel D. Barnard's discourse, a 
complete sketch of life and character, delivered before The 
Albany Institute, of which Gen. A^an Rensselaer was its first 
president, delivered April 15, 1839, will be found occupying 46 
pages in Munsell's Annals, Vol. Ill, p. 281, Jan. 26. 

Express messenger, Dimmick, despatched by Baker & Walker at 
5 46 p. m., within two hours after death of Patroon Van Rens- 
selaer, to convey the intelligence to New York, after swimming 
two rivers where the bridges had been swept away by floods, 
Redhook and Fishkill, arrives at Carlton House, a distance of 
more than 150 miles, in 14 hrs. 31 mins.. at 8:20 a. m., Jan. 27. 

John Townsend elected to succeed Stephen \ an Rensselaer as presi- 
dent of Albany Savings Bank, January. 

Soup house opened in the City Hall for those driven from homes 
by unusually high freshet, Jan. 27. 

Number of paupers in the alms-house at this time is ^;^2.. Jan. 31. 

Profits of the Greenbush ferry for past year were $1,081.92. Feb. i. 

Rev. Edward Allen installed at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 

Feb. 6. 

Aid. Richard S. Treat's widow, Gertrude, dau. of Dr. Stringer, dies, 

Feb. 15. 



536 JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. No. 4I. 

1839. 

John Tayler Cooper api^ointed niajor-i>eneral ist Division of New 
York State Cavalry in place of late Gen. Stephen Van Rens- 
selaer, Feb. 15 

James Boyd, aged yj, dies, Feb. 22. 

Chamberlain reports to Common Council that the cost of the new 
steam ferry to Greenbnsh is $8,688.25, Feb. 26. 

Common Council passes resolution allowing the Alohawk & Hudsoa 
railroad to extend tracks from Gansevoort to So. Ferry St., 

Feb. 26. 

Museum Building' greatly damaged by fire, March 2 

H. W. Preston announces that owing to the sudden transfer of the 
Theatre to St. Paul's Church vestry he should build a new one, 

March 16. 

River open and the Swallow arrives, March 2^. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, postmaster 17 years, removed and 
succeeded by Azariah C. Flagg, ]\Iarch. 

Pearl Street Theatre, H. W. Preston manager, last performance be- 
fore being converted into St Paul's Church. March 30. 

Pearl Street House afire and greatest conflagration in years, burn- 
ing the block. Pearl, ]\ladison ave., Hamilton and Rose streets. 

April 20. 

Relief committee reports expenses of soup kitchen since Jan. 2Sth, 
and supplying 1,530 persons at one-third of a cent each, 

April 30. 

Dr. John F. Townsend, aid to Gov. Seward, unanimously elected 
brigadier-general, ist Brigade of Horse Artillery, May 6. 

Legislature adjourns, May 8 

Charter election. Common Council: G. \'. S. Bleecker, Ralph 
Pratt, I. lchal)od L. Judson. George Merrifield, H. Elisha 
W. .Skinner. John Groesbeck. HI. Stephen T. Thorn. Joel R. 
Dickerman. W . Adolphus Colburn. Timothy Spears, V. Elec- 
tion. iNIay 8. 

North Dutch Church relinquishes rights to the Watering Place. 
(Steamboat Square) in payment of a claim of the corporation, 

May 13. 

Election to decide whether to authorize Coiumon Council to borrow 
$400,000 to aid construction of Albany & West Stockbridge 
railroad, resulted in its favor, 3,245 votes for the loan and 625 
in opposition to the movement. May 20. 

Gen. H. V. Du Coudray Holstein, distinguished diplomat and officer 
under Bonaparte, native of German}-, teacher of French in 
Female Academy, aged 76, dies, May 2}, 




VAN RENSSELAER MANOR HOUSE OF 1765. 

This shows how ihe residence erected in 1765 by Stephen Van Rensse- 
laer, II., the Patroon, looked until reconstructed in 1843. Portico was small and 
wings octagonal. From a painting made in 1839. His son, Gen. Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, III., died here on Jan. 26, 1839. 



No. 41- JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 537 

1839. 

Common Council appoints George Weed clerk and Robert H. Pruyn 
city attorney, Hazael Kane police justice, May 27. 

Bell directed placed in cupola of the jail for fires, June 10. 

Committees appointed to conduct the city loan to the railroad com- 
pany, Marcus T Reynolds, Thomas W. Olcott and Lewis Bene- 
dict for the Albany & West Stockbridge railroad and Pratt, 
Ten Eyck, Skinner and McAIuUen appointed by mayor for the 
city, June 10. 

Francis Bloodgood elected president of New York State Bank, and 
Rufus H. King vice-president, June 12. 

Common Council resolves to borrow $650,000 with which to purchase 
stock of the. Albany & West Stockbridge railroad to amount of 
$300,000, and to loan remainder to subscribers to stock, July i. 

Independence Day celebrated, Solomon Southwick orator, July 4 

Smith Weed, native of Stamford, Conn., a commissary during the 
Revolution, wounded at Battle of Danbury, a merchant, aged 
85, dies, July 10. 

President Martin Van Biu^en arrives and is addressed by Gov. 
William L. Marcv before immense audience before City Hall, 

July 24. 

Henry Clay, great American statesman, arrives and puts up at Eagle 
tavern on So. ]\Iarket street (Broadway), arriving by way of 
Troy in a barouche, accompanied by John Townsend, Daniel 
D. Barnard and John I 'ay, and when nearing the city joined by 
a large procession. Gen. Townsend. marshal, to act as escort, 

Aug. 17. 

Plenry Clay leaves in morning by steamboat for New York, Aug. 19. 

Benjamin Knower, prominent in commercial life, aged 64, dies, 

Aug 23. 

Steamboat Albany, Capt. Jenkins, makes 15 landings and makes the 
trip in 9 hrs. 7 mins. from New York. Aug. 23. 

Francis P>ret Harte, famous author (dies in England, May 5, 1902) 
born here, . Aug. 25. 

Steamboat Rochester arrives, without landing. 8 hrs. 35 mins., 

Sept. 2. 

Trinity Churcli. third Episcopal congregation in city, organized, 
services held in Westerlo, between Church and Dallius streets, 
Rev. Isaac Swart subsequently chosen rector, Sept. 4. 

State street bridge to Pier gives way and 21 drown. 

Steamboat Nortli America built by Devine Burtis. 494 tons, 48 x 132 
in. engine. 

Steamboat Albany makes speed record, arriving in 8 hrs. 49 mins., 
less TO landings, running time 7 hrs. 49 mins.. never equaled, 

Sept. 25. 



:^38 JARED LEWIS RATIIBONE. No. 4I. 

1839. 

Judge Jesse Buel, native of Coventry, Conn., originally a printer, 

came to Albany in 1814, established The Argns, state printer 

1814 to 182 1, many years in Assembly, a regent, candidate for 

governor in 1836, retired in 1821 to his farm. Albany Nursery, 

and became world-known as an agriculturist, dies at Danbury, 

Conn., age 63, Oct. 6 

Dr. Rensselaer Gansevoort dies in Louisiana, aged 39, Oct. 19. 

James D. Wasson's wife Harriet E., dies, Nov. 3. 

Friend Humphrey elected Senator, H. G. Wheaton Assemblyman, 

Nov. 6. 
Solomon Southwick, prominent publisher, aged 66, dies, sketch of 
his life printed in " Annals of Albany," Vol. V, p. 104. Nov. 18. 
County Sheriff Michael Artcher resisted by anti-renters in several 
Helderberg towns, calls out the posse comitatus, and about one 
thousand citizens accompany him to the Helderbergs, Nov. 30. 
Sheriff Artcher's posse sets out for Reidsville and meets with oppo- 
sition four miles beyond Clarkesville, several hundred farmers 
on horseback forcing the sheriff and posse to turn back, and 
they arrive at their homes at Albany at 9 p. m., worn out with 
fatigue, Dec. 2. 

Sheriff Artcher, reinforced by a number of military companies from 
Albany, Troy and other places, marches to Clarkesville and 
maintains military jurisdiction, Dec. 9. 

Governor issues a proclamation declaring supremacy of laws, 

Dec. 10. 
Gen. Averill, with 500 men arrives in Albany from ]\Iontgomery 
county, for invasion of the Helderbergs against the anti-renters ; 
but they find they are outnumbered and capitulate. He serves 
the summonses without opposition, Dec. 11. 

Sheriff' and the military companies, worn with trudging twelve miles 
in a deep snow, arrive back at Albany and Troy, the commands 
being the Albany Burgesses' Corps, Capt. Bayeux ; Albany 
Union Guards, Capt. Brown ; Albany Republican artillery, Capt. 
Strain; ist Company Van Rensselaer Guards, Capt. Kearney; 
2nd Company Van Rensselaer Guards, Capt. Berry ; Troy Ar- 
tillery, Capt. Howe ; Troy Citizens' Corps, Capt Pierce ; Troy 
City Guards, Capt. Wicl-ces. They were composed of the edu- 
cated men of the respected families. Dec. 15. 
River closed to navigation, Dec. 19. 
Jared Lewis Rathbone re-elected ALayor by Common Council. 

Dec. 30 
• • • 



No. 41. JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 539 

1840. 



1840. 

Jared L. Rathbone again assumes office of Mayor, Jan. i. 

Population of the city at this time 33,762. 

Population of the State of New York 2,428,921. 

Slaves in New York State number only four. 

Female Academy obtains a fine collection of busts from George 
Combe, of Edinburgh, who lectures there on phrenology, 

Jan 6. 

Meeting- held in St. Peter's church vestry to consider providing a 
place of worship for boatmen of the harbor, Jan. 31. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer's wife, Arriet, aged 65, dies, Feb. 3. 

Wm. E. Bleecker elected president of Young Men's Association, 

Feb. 4. 

American Lodge, No. ^2, I. O. O. F., re-instituted, Feb. 11. 

St. Paul's Church, So. Pearl street, formerly the Theatre, (west 
side, bet. Beaver st. and Hudson ave.) consecrated by Bishop 
Onderdonk, Feb. 22. 

River open to navigation, Feb. 25. 

Kosciuszko, famous Polish patriot (born in Lithuania, Russia, Feb. 
12, 1746) who served with the Americans in the Revolution, 
and commander-in-chief and dictator in the Polish insurrection 
of 1794, arrives by boat from New York as a visitor to the 
city, Feb. 26. 

Post-Office moved into the Exchange Building, Feb. 2y. 

Grade of Lodge between Howard and Beaver streets established, 

March 2, 

Francis Bloodgood, former Mayor, a graduate of Yale, lawyer, 
many years clerk of Supreme Court, a founder of New York 
State Bank and president at this time, a man of unusually fine 
disposition, kindliness and integrity, aged 72, dies, March =;. 

Tennis Van Vechten elected president of Albany Insurance Co. to 
fill vacancy caused by death of Francis Bloodgood, March 16. 

Rufus H. King elected president of the New York State Bank to fill 
vacancy caused by death of Francis Bloodgood, March 16. 

Oratorio of " The Creation " at 2nd Presbyterian Church, April 9. 

Y. J\L A. removes from No. 451 Broadway to Exchange Building. 

" The Cutivator " and "' Genesee Farmer " consolidated by Luther 
Tucker. 

Common Council appropriates $50 towards purchase of a bell for the 
Third Dutch Reformed Church in So. Ferry street, April 13, 



540 JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. No. 4I. 

1840. 

Chamberlain reports city expenses past year as $246,055.47, 

April 21. 

Jared L. Rathbone resigns office of Mayor, April 27. 

Charter election, at which Jared L. Rathbone, Whig, receives 2,466 
votes ; Erastus Corning, Democrat, receives 2,099 votes ; ma- 
jority for J. L. Rathbone, 2)7- votes, May 5. 
• • • 

Jared Lewis Rathbone assumes office of Mayor, May 12. 

Charter election. Mayor, Jared Lewis Rathbone ; Common Council : 
G. V. S. Bleecker, John D. Hewson. L George Merrifield, 
Visscher Ten Eyck, IL John Groesbeck, Arnold Nelson, IIL 
James Robinson, Joel R. Dickerman, IV. Thomas McElroy, 
Charles Chapman, V. Election, May 5 ; sworn in, May 12. 

Legislature adjourns, having passed 318 laws, May 14. 

A count made on So. Market street (Broadway) corner of Hudson 
avenue, shows that on this day there passed 9,762 persons on 
foot, 407 wagons, 146 stages and 234 other vehicles before 
night. May 14. 

Expenses of Fire Department for year to May ist, $10,950, May 15. 

Barent Bleecker, some years president of Bank of Albany, 80, dies, 

June I. 

Edward Livingston, distinguished citizen, Assembly clerk, district- 
attorney, speaker of Assembly, dies, June 16. 

Log cabin erected at corner of Maiden Lane and Dean street by 
followers of the party of " Tii)pecanoe and Tyler, too," built 
by hundreds of voters in one day, as a rallying point, June 27. 

Independence Day orator Uriah Marvin, Jr., reader, Geo. Vance, 
Jr., July 4- 

Robert Packard, of the printing firm of Packard & Van Benthuysen, 
aged 66 years, dies, July 15. 

Common Council receives petition signed by Dr. Charles D. Town- 
send and 180 others requesting that the name of North Market 
street be changed to Broadway. Teunis \^an \^echten opposed, 

July 20. 

Name of Capitol street changed to Park street, July 20. 

Bank of Albany elects Jacob H. Ten Eyck its (7th) president, to 
succeed Barent IHeeckcr, deceased. 

Common Council resolves to change name of North Market street 
to Broadway by a vote of 9 to 3. Aug. 3. 

Draw of the bridge at foot of State street, leading to the Pier, falls, 
and 21 persons in the crowd watching an insane man escape 
are drowned because of the nunil)er overwhelmed and strug- 
o-iino- Aug. 22. 




GOVERNOR \V. L. MARCV. 




REV. BARTHOLOMEW T. WELCH. 



RURAL CE:\IETERY. 

Rev. Bartholomew T. Welch, D. D., publicly advocated a common burial- 
ground outside the city at a meeting held in Exchange Building, Dec. 31, 1840. 
Archibald Mclntyre presiding: chartered April 2, 1841. Gov. Marcy died July 
4, 1857. In 1868 about 40,000 removed here from State and Knox sts. 



No. 41. .TARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 541 

1840. 

Elizabeth Ann Dexter, wife of Hon. Marcus T. Reynolds, residing 
in Park Place, later site of the new Capitol, dies, Aug. 30. 

Steamboat Eureka, Capt. Sherman, using boilers transferred from 
the Novelty, makes her first appearance, Sept. 9. 

Van Rensselaer Manor House at head of Broadway and east about 
200 feet of Troy Road, being remodeled by Architect Upjohn, 
east and west wings added, addition of a stone porch of the 
Corinthian order, the cream-colored bricks covered with sanded 
mastic and the whitestone replaced by New Jersey sandstone. 

Steamboat South America built by Devine Burtis, 638 tons, 260 x 26 
x9 feet, engine 54 x 132 in. 

Jacob L. Lochner, fruit merchant, continues the firm established by 
August Wolenman on No. Market st. (Broadway). 

Van Alstyne & Son, hardware merchants (conducted by Alexander 
Davidson in 1845, afterwards by Maurice E. Viele and later by 
Albany Hardware & Iron Co.) establish business at corner 
State and Green sts. 

Elisha Kane, long a prominent citizen, dies Washington, 63, Oct. 3. 

Phoenix Lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. F., instituted, Oct. 3. 

Harmanus Bleecker elected president of St. Nicholas Society, 

Nov. 18. 

Thaddeus Kingsley, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 82, dies, Nov. 29. 

City canvassers report the population as follows : White males, 
15,729; white females, 17,021; colored males, 378; colored 
females, 499 ; total population, 33,627, Dec. 4. 

River closes to navigation, Dec. 5. 

Common Council, seeking a good source of water for city, reports 
consent of Air. Van Rensselaer to lease the flow of Patroon's 
creek for $800 per annum, Dec. 21. 

Benjamin Covell, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 88, dies, Dec. 24. 

Albany Rural Cemetery first projected at a meeting of citizens held 
at Young Men's Ass'n rooms, Archibald Mclntyre presiding and 
Ira Harris serving as secretary, addressed by Rev. B. T. Welch, 
D. D., of the Baptist Church. Resolutions reported by a com- 
mittee consisting of Marcus T. Reynolds, Amos Dean, Thomas 
Worth Olcott, Tennis Van Vechten, Geritt Yates Lansing and 
Lewis Benedict. A committee on organization and to select 
site was named as follows: Rev. B. T. Welch, Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, John A. Dix, John O. Wilson, James Horner, An- 
thony M. Strong, Peter Gausevoort, Ezra P. Prentice, Ira 
Harris, Thomas W. Olcott, Ellis Baker, Otis Allen and John 
■ Y. Wendell, Dec. 31. 



542 JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. No. 4I. 

1841. 



1841. 

Express statue run from Albany to New York by the New York 
American publishers in the speediest time ever made, 12 hrs. 
40 mins., Jan. 5. 

Freshet within a few inches as high as the great freshet of 1839, 

Jan. 9. 

James INlcKown resigns office of Recorder of the city, occupied fif- 
teen years, and is succeeded by William Parmelee, Jan. 10. 

Charles E. Dudley who had been the 34th Mayor, dies. His father, 
Charles, had been the King's collector of customs in Rhode 
Island, and the son, born at Johnson Hall, Staffordshire, Eng., 
May 23, 1780, was educated at Newport and came here in 1819, 
engaging in mercantile pursuits and making several trips to 
India; was State Senator 1820-24, ^"^1 United States Senator 
1829-33, Jan. 23. 

Citizens meet at Y. M. A. Hall and discuss making application to 
Legislature for a bridge across river because of the many days 
of no communication, when neither sleighs upon the ice nor 
ferries are able to run, the Mayor presiding and Messrs. Samuel 
Stevens and John V. L. Pruyn speaking. A committee named 
to apply. Jan. 30. 

Peter Gansevoort's wife. Mary Sanford. aged 27, dies, Feb. 5. 

James G. Brooks, former editor of Daily Advertiser, dies, Feb. 20. 

Alderman McElroy reports favorably to Common Council dividing 
the city into 10 wards and holding annual charter election on 
second Tuesday in April, the same date as observed by New 
York, and thus shut out traveling voters, Feb. 23. 

Ezra P. Prentice and others petition Common Council owning prop- 
erty in Fox street to change the name to Canal street, 

Alarch i. 

Fire chief reports that during past six months there were only three 
fires, and the total loss not over $250, March 3. 

Cannon fired at sunrise and general celebration until evening, closed 
with fireworks in honor of inauguration of President William 
Henry Harrison, March 4. 

River ice passes out from before the city, March 2t,. 

Assembly committee on a bridge over Hudson reports adversely. 

March 26. 

Gen. Solomon \'an Rensselaer reinstated as postmaster, March 26. 

Henry G. Wheaton appointed district attorney, March 2/. 



^^°-4I- JARED LEWIS RATHBOXE. r^o 



1841. 



Albany Gas Light Company incorporated, Henry L Webb presi- 
dent, March 27 
EHzabeth A'an Rensselaer, wife of John Bleecker, aged 72,, dies! 

March 29. 

1 iniothy Powers, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 90, dies, April 2 

Albany Gas Light Co. locates at Arch and Grand streets' capitalized 
at $100,000; President, Henry L. Webb; Thomas W. Olcott, 
James Stevenson and Joel Rathbone, directors, April i.' 

Albany Rural Cemetery Association chartered, ' April o 

Steamboat Troy built by William H. Capes, 724 tons, 295 x 30 x~9 
feet, engine 44 x 120 in. 

Steamboat Columbia put in commission. 

News of the death of President William Henry Harrison on April 
4th, received at Albany on April 6th, and the day of the funeral 
was observed by exercises in the Second Presbyterian Church ; 
but the firemen's torchlight procession postponed until following 
night because of inclement weather, April 10. 

Low buildings at s. w. cor. State and Broadway being removed for 
erection of a 4-story block to be known as Douw Building, 

April 12. 

Charter election in which the vote for j\Iayor results : Tennis Van 

Vechten, Whig. 2,449; Gerrit Yates "Lansing, Democrat, 2,339; 

blank and scattering, 40 ; total, 4,828 ; \^an Vechten's majority 

over Lansing, no, and he is declared elected Alayor of Albany, 

April 13. 
• • • 

(See No. 40.) 



No. 42. 

Saratt ptiltp S^taate. 



May lO, 1842 —April 17. 1843. 



No. 42. 

BARENT PHILIP STAATS. 

Date of office: May 10, 1842 — April 17. i'^43. 

Date of election: April 12, 1842. 

Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: 3,031. 

Opponent: (a) John Townsend, (aa) Wrr^. Mayle. 

Political party: Whig. 

Vote: 2,429, (aa) 54, blank and scattering- 18. 

Total vote: 5,532. 

Date of birth: September 25, 1796. 

Place of birth: Staats Island, Rensselaer county. 

Parents: Philip (S.) and Annatje Van Alstyne. 

Education: Medical College. 

Married to: (a) Maria Goiirlay. 

(b) Maria Ann Winne (d. May 9, 1830). 

(c) Caroline Porter. 
Date: (a) 

(b) November 24, 182^. 

(c) 1835. 

Children: (a) Plelen (d. y.), Helen (Stokes). 
( b ) John ( d. y. ) , Anna Sickler. 

Residence: No. 53 North Pearl street. 

Occupation: Physician. 

Religion: Episcopalian. 

Date of death: July 9, 1871. 

Place of death: No. 61 North Pearl street. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Doctor. 

Remarks: Alderman. Assembly, 1834. Supervisor, old fifth ward. 
First penitentiary physician. Strictly temperance, genial, 
generous, and possessed of a strong sense of justice. 




42. BARENT PHILIP STAATS. 
1842-1843. 
From a photograph made from life by J. H. Abbott, Albany, owned in 1904 
by his granddaughter, Mrs. Charles W. Abrams. 



No. 42. BARENT PHILIP STAATS. 547 

1842. 



(Continued from No. 40.) 
1842. 



Dr. Barent Philip Staats assumes the office of Mayor of Albany, 
having been elected at the Charter election held on April 12, 
1842, when as the Democratic candidate he received 2,868 votes 
to the 2,532 votes cast for the Whig candidate, ex-Mayor John 
Townsend; majority 336, May 10. 

James R. Rose elected clerk of the Common Council by that board, 
Andrew J. Colvin city attorney, John Bratt surveyor and S. A'. 
R. Ableman alms-house superintendent, by vote 12 to 10, 

May 10. 

Charter election. Mayor, Barent Phili]) Staats; Common Council: 
William Chambers, William L. Osborn, I. William P. Mal- 
burn, David Burhans, II. Bradford W. Hand, Argalus W. 
Starks, III. Chauncey Whitney, Abram Koonz, IV. Visscher 
Ten Eyck, Andrew White, V. Cornelius Ten Broeck, Jacob 
L. Winnie, VI. Charles Chapman, John \'an Volkenburgh, 
VII. John McKnight, Jacob Downing, VIII. Hazael Kane, 
William R. Ford, IX. Michael Artcher, Joshua I. Jones, X. 
Election, April 12; sworn in. May 10. 

Common Council discusses the case of Engine Company No. 9, 
which at the recent fire dragged its engine up the hill and 
left it standing before the City Hall because of certain remarks 
by the previous Common Council, and expecting to be exon- 
erated by the new board ; but decision went against the company 
by vote of 10 to 9, May 16. 

Captain Samuel Schuyler, aged 61, dies. May 16. 

Methodist Church, A\'ashington ave. and Swan St., dedicated. 

May 22. 

Capt. David Olmstead, native of Ridgefield, Conn., who came to this 
city in 1798, and for many years prominent as a river navigator 
and city superintendent, aged 72 years and surviving his wife, 
Dorcas, aged 71, by only four days, dies. May 31. 

City treasurer reports expenditures of past year as $193,877.50 and 
the receipts as $197,639.16. June i. 

Case of Engine Company No. 9 again before the Common Council 
and a vote to adjourn without action resulting in a tie, 8 to 8, 
the Mayor cast a vote against adjourning; but the Whigs with- 
drew and left the board without a quorum, Jwne 22. 

People's Line first operates its boats as a night line, June. 

Schuyler & Brainerd Towing Line formed, June. 



548 BARENT PHILIP STAATS. No. 42. 



1842. 



Independence Day celebrated ; Rev. John N. Campbell, orator, and 
William N. Strong the reader. The temperance societies and 
the Young Men's Association also hold ceremonies, each witii 
orator and reader, and the Germans hold a celebration of their 
own, jnly 4. 

Forbes Mansion built at Bath-on-the-Hudson (opposite the north 
end of this city) a mile above Greenbush on an elevation over- 
looking the Hudson river, by William Patterson \^an Rensse- 
laer, younger brother of Stephen A"an Rensselaer, the patroon 
residing in the Manor House at the head of Broadway. 

Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer's century plant that he had owned 
more than fifty years, having purchased it soon after the Revo- 
lution at an auction sale of a confiscated estate in New York 
city, when it was full-grown, advanced to maturity by artificial 
heat in his extensive conservatory and exhibited for a small 
fee for the benefit of the Albany Orphan Asylum building, 

July 23. 

Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer's century plant putting forth a high 
stalk and about to bloom, growing at rate of i8 to 24 inches 
in a day, now 21 feet in height, persons coming specially to 
view it even so far as from Ohio, Sept. 13. 

Citizens assemble at the Capitol, Erastus Corning presiding, in 
opposition to grading of State street at a time of financial dis- 
tress, Sept. 17. 

South Market, erected in 1829, at the ancient Watering Place, later 
the Steamboat Square, taken down and the place graded for 
steamboat wharfage, leased to Isaac Newton at $1,000 a year for 
term of three years, Sept. 17. 

Oliver Teall, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 84, dies, Sept. i(). 

Mrs. Christina Heaxt, oldest citizen, aged 102 years, dies, Sept. 20. 

State Fair held for the second time, James S. Wadsworth it'^ 
president, and the first time exhibiting at Albany. 

Musical instruction given in city schools for the first time. Prof. 
Ferdinand 1. llsley. 

Boston & Albany or " Middle " ferry established. 

State House, east side of Faglc street. Pine to vSteuben st., costing 
$350,000, completed. 

Herkimer street ordered excavated from Eagle to Eark st., Oct. 3. 

Common Council accepts invitation to attend celebration of the 
Croton aqueduct extended bv New York's Common Council. 

Oct. 3. 

Capt. Franklin Townsend and his \\'ashington Artillerists go on 
first target practice excursion, Oct. 18. 







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No. 42. BARENT PHILIP STAATS. 549 

1842=.184:3. 

The Patroon's century plant having come to maturity and reaching 
a height of 26 feet, is sent to New York to be exhibited, 

Nov. I. 

Daniel D. Barnard receives (i,Z~7 votes in Albany county, for Con- 
gressman, and James M. French 5,980, Nov. 8. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Nov. 28. 

Rev. Edward F. Allen, pastor 6 years of Fourth Presbyterian 
Church, aged 28, dies, Dec. 20. 

Rev. Frederick George Mayer, pastor ^-j years of the First Lutheran 
Church, dies, Dec. 31. 



1843. 



William C. Bouck becomes Governor of New York, Jan. i. 

Gov. Bouck's message transmitted to New York by messenger on 
a horse in 10 hours and 25 minutes, lacking still any railroad 
to that city, Jan. 2. 

Thermometer 13 degrees below zero, Jan. 4. 

Benjamin W. Wooster's furniture store established (continued until 
1905)- 

Thermometer 15 degrees below zero, Feb. 17. 

George Vance, Jr., a publisher of Albany Atlas, dies. Feb. 23^ 

The Emigrant Society organized at a meeting held in the " Old " 
Capitol, Garret L. Dox presiding, John Tracey, secretary, and 
Bradford R. Wood is elected president, Feb. 23. 

A'an Heusen & Charles (Theodore V. Van Heusen and Daniel D. 
Tompkins Charles) establish a large crockery and glassware 
business (existing by such name in 1905 ), March i. 

Perry Stove Works, famous the world over, started. 

Robert Hunter, owner of several stage-coaches known as " Pennsyl- 
vania six-horse wagons," and who placed his savings in the 
Pilot Line of canal-boats on completion of the canal, and on 
his death president of the Canal Bank, aged 50, dies, 

March 2. 

Common Council outlines duties and creates office of Fire Chief 
and fixes his salary at $600, March 6. 

Leonard Gansevoort's widow, Mary, aged 82, dies, April 2. 

Solomon Van Rensselaer removed as postmaster and is succeeded 
by James D. Wasson, April 2. 



550 BAREXT PHILIP STAATS. No. 42, 

1843. 

Friend Humphrey elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election, 
receiving 3,210 votes as the Whig candidate, and Peter Ganse- 
voort 2,984 votes as the Democratic candidate ; Nathan Colburn. 
7,2 votes, and scattering, blank, etc., 14 votes ; total number of 
votes cast, 6,240; his majority over Peter Gansevoort being 
226 votes, and he is declared elected, April 11. 

• • • 

rSee No. 43) 



No. 43. 



April 18, 1843 — April 15, 1844. 
April 16, 1844 — April 14, 1845. 

April 17, 1849 —April 15, 1850. 



No. 43. 
FRIEND HUMPHREY. 

Date of office: (a) April 18, 1843-April 15, 1844. 

(b) April 16, 1844-April 14, 1845. 

(c) April 17, 1849-April 15, 1850. 
Date of election: (a) April 11, 1843. 

(b) April 9, 1844. 

(c) April 10, 1849. 
Political party: Whig. 

P^ote: (a) 3,210. 

(b) 3,268. 

(c) 3.142. 

Opponent: (a) Peter Gansevoort, (aa) Nathan Colburn. 

(b) George Al. Stanton, (bb) Thaddeus Joy, (bbb) Na- 

thaniel Safford. 

(c) Thomas Hun. 
Political party : Democrat. 

Vote: (a) 2,984, (aa) 32, blank and scattering 14. 

(b) 2,638, (bb) 143, (bbb) 30, blank and scattering 7. 

(c) 2,925. 
Total vote: (a) 6,240. 

(b) 6,086. 

(c) 6,072. 

Date of birth: J\Iarch 8, 1787. 

Place of birth: Simsbury, Conn. 

Parents: Noah (H.) and Margaret Case. 

Education: School at Simsbury. 

Married to: (a) Hannah Hinman (d. about 1822). 

(b) Julia Ann Hoyt (d. April 24, 1851). 
Date: (a) Troy, about 181 1. 
(b) Utica, about 1825. 
Children: (a-3) Gideon, Harriet Louisa (married Clark B. Greg- 
ory), Aaron Burr. 
(b-5) Mary Elizabeth (d. y.). Theodore Friend, James 
Hoyt, Correl, Alexander Beebee. 
Residence: No. 14, North Pearl street. 
Occupation: Leather merchant. 
Religion: Baptist. 
Date of death: March 15, 1854. 
Place of death: No. 14 North Pearl street. 
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery, 
Title: Senator. 

Remarks: Came to Albany in 181 1. Popular, energetic, advanced 
morality. Closed public markets on Sunday. Senator, 1839. 




43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 
1843-45; 1849-50. 
From a crayon portrait owned in T904 by his son, Theodore Friend Humphrey, 
New York. 



No. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 553 



1843. 



(Continued from No. 42.) 
1843. 



Friend Humphrey assumes the office of Mayor of Albany, he having- 
been elected at the Charter election, held on April nth, as the 
Whig candidate, receiving 3,210 votes, to the 2,984 votes cast 
for the Democratic candidate, Peter Gansevoort ; Mayor Hum- 
phrey's majority being 226 votes, April 18. 

Common Council organizes and appoints Sylvanus H. H. Parsons, 
clerk; H. H. Hickox, deputy chamberlain; Horace B. Webster, 
city attorney; Wm. McC. Cushman, surveyor; Isaac M. Com- 
stock, police justice, and John Morgan superintendent of alms- 
house, April 18. 

Charter election, A^Iayor Friend Humphrey ; Common Council : 
William Chambers, Peter Carmichael, I. William W. For- 
syth, William W. Monteath, H. M. Hendrickson, 

John M. Hughes, HI. William Adams, Denison Worthington, 
IV. Visscher Ten Eyck, Andrew White, V. William ]\IcElroy, 
Edward M. Teall, VI. Rensselaer West, Robert iMcCullom, 
VII. John McKnight, Jacob Dowling, VIII. John S. Van 
Rensselaer, Ichbold L. Judson, IX. Joshua I. Jones, Thomas 
Kirkpatrick, X. Election, April 11 ; sworn in, April 18. 

The river season in activity, the ice having passed out on April 13th 
after remaining intact since Nov. 28th, the longest closed season 
(136 days) on record, the Utica being the first steamboat to 
arrive on the first date mentioned, April 19. 

Albany Hospital having been incorporated on April 14th, funds are 
raised, April 20. 

Pomeroy & Co. establish Hudson River Express Line. 

Elisha Dorr, a Revolutionary soldier and native of Lyme. Conn., 
who was stationed on Long Island during war, aged 80, dies, 

April 30. 

Wm. A. Tweed Dale elected president of Sailors' Bethel, May 30. 

Van Rensselaer Manor House (erected in 1765) having been ex- 
tensively remodeled by Upjohn since 1840, first occupied by 
Stephen Van Rensselaer, Jr., the " Young Patroon," June 3. 

Ex-Mayor B. P. Staats presides at a meeting in the " Old " Capitol 
where Irish repeal is considered at a meeting of Irishmen, 

June 21. 



554 FRIEND HUMPHREY, No. 43. 

1843. 

Independence Day celebrated, Willis Hall the orator and Edward 
S. Willett reading the Declaration, July 4. 

Utica & Schenectady railroad; later on incorporated with other lines 
to form the New York Central, elects John V. L. Pruyn its 
secretary and treasurer to succeed (udeon Hawley, resigned, 

J"iy 4. 

Albany Rural Cemetery appoints John A'arley the first superin- 
tendent. 

John Keyes Paige elected president of the Canal Bank, July 12. 

Steamboat Express put on Schuyler's Albany Passenger Line. 

Ex-President John Quincy Adams (President 1825-1829) visits Al- 
bany and is heartily received, Aug. 2. 

Samaritan Lodge, No. 93, L O. O. P., instituted, Aug. 4. 

Steamboat Empire built by William H. Brown, 936 tons, 307 feet 
long, 30 feet broad, 9 feet deep, (2) 48 x 144 in. engine. 

John C. Yates, son of late John \^an Ness Yates, aged 29, dies, 

Aug. 12. 

Steamboat Knickerbocker makes her first appearance here in 7 
hours, 33 minutes, running time, and a record, built by Smith 
& Dimon, 1,000 tons, 291 feet long, 31 broad, 9 feet deep, 
65 X 120 in. engine, Aug. 18. 

Wilmarth Southwick, brother of Solomon, aged 65, dies, Aug. 19. 

Common Council orders that farmers expose for sale no more meat 
on State street; but use lower part of Howard street near 
Market, Aug. 27. 

Daily Knickerbocker first issued by Hugh J. Hastings, Sept. 4. 

George W. Merchant, aged 53, dies, Sept. 5. 

Rev. Henry N. Pohlman installed by First Lutheran Church, 

Sept. 24. 

James A'anderpoel, long a state circuit judge, aged 57, dies, 

Oct. 3. 

Rev. Samuel Fisher, of W. Bloomfield, N. J., installed by the 
Fourth Presbyterian Church, Oct. 13. 

Common Council appropriates $150 for an ornamental steering- 
wheel forthe new United States frigate Albany, Oct. 16. 

James McClure of James & Archibald McClure, an alderman, and 
who sought to introduce gas into Albany by giving a series of 
demonstrations, aged 45, dies, Nov. 16. 

Common Council sanctions contract with the IMohawk & Hudson 
railroad, making a loan to the road of $125,000 for 20 years 
at 5*70, the city to expend $60,000 upon track and depot, to be 
leased to the road for 20 years at nominal rent, when railroad 
is to have option of buying the same, paying 5% for past 




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No. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 555 

1843-1844. 



use, and the company agreeing to proceed at once to construct 
a rail route along Patroon's creek, to connect with the Boston 
ferry at foot of Maiden Lane, Nov. 27. 

River frozen over on the 5th and closed to navigation, Dec. 10. 

Abraham Van Vechten elected city attorney to succeed Horace B. 
Webster, deceased, Dec. 11. 

South Baptist Society dedicates new edifice on west side of So. 
Pearl street at head of Herkimer street, Dec. 25. 



1844. 



Gerrit V. S. Bleecker's wife, Jane Shepherd, aged 43, dies, Jan. i. 
Otis Dimmick. renowned as a rapid messenger on horse, carries the 

Governor's Alessage to Troy in 24 minutes, Jan. 2. 

Nicholas Bleecker, aged 86, dies, Jan. 8. 

Anthony Rhoades Armington, aged yj, dies, Jan. 22. 

Thermometer 14 degrees below zero, Jan. 28. 

Charles Smyth, first agent of tow-boats on river, aged 60, dies, 

Feb. 6. 
Benjamin Austin, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 87, dies, Feb. 14. 
Washington Rifle Company organized, Feb. 22. 

Salem Dutcher, a prominent merchant, aged 41, dies in New York, 

Feb. 25. 
Col. Robert Elliott, assistant postmaster quarter of century, dies, 

March, 10. 
John V. Henry, Jr., who had been postmaster at Ann Arbor, 

Mich., dies at Jackson, Mich., March 11. 

Ice in river breaking up, no communication with east shore, 

March 14. 
River open to navigation (Government record), March 18. 

Third Presbyterian Church sells its place on Montgomery street and 

buys a lot on Clinton Square and Chapel street, March 29. 
Common Council takes steps to aid establishment of a State Normal 

school in this city, April i. 

Albany Hydrant Co. formed by John Townsend, John Keyes Paige 

and some others. 
Law for incorporation of the Albany Penitentiary on April 13th, is 

prepared by the city attorney, April 10. 

Albany Waterworks Co. increases capital, $40,000 to $80,000. 



3:3 



50 FRIEND IIUMPIIREV. No. 43. 



1844. 



Mayor Friend f luniphrey re-elected at the Charter election, receiving 
3,268 votes as the Whig candidate ; George W. Stanton, 2,638 
votes as the Democratic candidate ; Thaddeus Joy, 143 votes ; 
Nathaniel Safford, 30 votes ; blank and scattering, 7 ; total. 
6,086 votes cast; Humphrex^'s majority over Stanton, 630 votes, 

April 9. 
• • • 

Mayor Friend Flumphrey again assumes office, he having been 
elected at the Charter election held on April 9th by a majority 
of 630 votes, as the Wdiig candidate, April 16. 

Common Council elects Sylvanus FI. H. Parsons clerk of board; 
H. H. Hickcox, deputy chamberlain ; Abraham Van Vechten, 
city attorney, April 16. 

Common Council lets contract to Kirkpatrick &: LaGrange to supply 
the alms-house with meat at 2J/2 cents per pound, April 16. 

Charter election, Mayor Friend Humphrey ; Common Council : 
William Chambers, Homer R. Phelps, F Peter Carmichael. 
Packard Van Benthuysen, H. Robert Freeman, G. \\ S. 
Bleecker, HF William Adams, Denison Worthington, IV. 
Thomas McMullen, George Dexter. V. William McElroy, 
Edward AF Teall. XL John \^an Ness, Jr., Timothy Spears, 
VH. John McKnight, David D. Ramsey, Ylll. Alfred B. 
Street, Christopher Adams, IX. Michael Artcher, Philander 
Coley, X. Election. xA.pril 9; sworn in. April 16. 

Hugh Humphrey, for 26 years superintendent of the Water Works 
Co., resigns, April 25 

Montgomery Hall demolished, April 30 

Citv chamberlain reports for past year expenditures, $303,344.98 
and receipts, $322,809.65. Alay i 

New York State Normal wSchool established at x\lbany (David B 
Page its first principal) by Fegislative Act, ]\Iay 7 

Remains of Col. John Mills, who fell in the Battle of Sackett's 
Harbor on May 29, 1813, interred in centre of Capitol Park, on 
a line with centre of State street ; Robert E. Temple delivering 
a glowing eulogy in his memory, May 29. 

Steamboat South America makes record trip from New York, run- 
ning time only 7 hours. May 30. 

Capt. Thomas Bayeux, aged 43, dies, June 4. 

Stanwix Hall, renovated, opened Ijy Wheeler & Bromley, June 10. 

Common Council petitioned by John F. Winne, Joseph Hall and 
others to do away with the Arbor Hill burial-ground on Ten 
Broeck street, as adjacent land had been graded lower and 
falling soil revealed coffins ; decision to remove remains to Rural 
Cemeterv, June 10. 



No. 43. FRIliXD HUMPHREY. 557 

1844. 

A hospital for the city demanded by twelve clergymen writing to 
The Argus, June 12. 

DeWitt Clinton's remains, interred in the burial-ground on Swan 
street, removed to New York for burial, June 21. 

Independence Day celebrated ; oration by Charles L. Austin ; A. D. 
Robinson, reader of the Declaration ; Col. Sam'l Van Vechten 
marshal of the parade, July 4. 

Westerlo A^an Rensselaer dies, July 8. 

Resolutions passed on " repeal movement " in Ireland, at a meeting 
held in the " Old " Capitol, John L. Schoolcraft presiding, 

July 8. 

Hope Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., (instituted April 24, 1826) re-in- 
stituted, July 15. 

Delavan House (Broadway, Steuben, Montgomery and Columbia 
streets) being erected by Edward C. Delavan, July 20. 

Third Presbyterian Church, facing Clinton Square at southwest 
corner of Patroon street (Clinton ave.) corner-stone laid, 

July 29. 

Philomathean Lodge, No. 711, G. L^. O. of O. F. granted dispensa- 
tion. July. 

Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer's wife, Cornelia, aged 64, dies at 
New York, Aug. 6. 

Wm. L. Stone, former editor of Daily Advertiser, aged 52, dies, 

Aug. 15. 

Hudson Avenue Methodist Church dedicated, Sept. 27. 

Col. Nicholas Van Rensselaer's wife, Eliza, aged 85, dies at Green- 
bush, Sept. 28. 

Mohawk & Hudson railroad trains first pass down new tracks of 
Tivoli Hollow to depot at foot of IVIaiden Lane adjacent to the 
Boston ferry, which makes Stanwix Hall a most popular 
hostelry, Sept. 30. 

Albany Rural Cemetery consecrated, military, fireman and civic 
bodies uniting in an imposing procession, the clergy carrying 
out religious exercises, and Hon. Daniel D. Barnard delivering 
address. Oct. 7. 

John Cook organizes the second band Albanv ever had. 

Henry G. Wheaton elected Congressman and Ira Harris Assembly- 
man, Nov. 5. 

Albany Gas Light Co. (incorporated March 27. 1841) subscribed 
for successfully in the sum of $100,000, Nov. 13. 

Albany Savings Bank first open daily in the Fall. 

Henry Trowbridge, Albany Museum's founder, aged 69, dies, 

Dec. 5. 



558 FRIEND HUMPHREY. No. 43. 

1844-1845. 

Christian Miller, present at the inauguration of Washington when 
an artillerist, coming to Albany in 1789, agent for John Jacob 
Astor in fur trade (born in Hanau, Ger., Mch. 7, 1767) aged 
78, dies. Dec. 6. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 17. 

New York State Normal School opened in building formerly the 
Mohawk & Hudson depot, near the northeast corner of State 
and Eagle streets, and later Van Vechten Hall, David Perkins 
Page created its first principal, paying rental of $1,200 to rail- 
road, Dec. 16. 

Mayor, recorder and supervisors directed to secure site for the 
Albany Penitentiary, (authorized by Act of April 13th), 

Dec. 19. 

First Methodist Church, south side of Hudson street (avenue) be- 
tween Grand and Philip streets, dedicated, Dec. 25. 

Albany Burgesses' Corps, Emmet Guards, Van Rensselaer Guards 
and Washington Riflemen (protect Hudson, N. ;Y., against 
Anti-renters, Dec. 31. 



1845. 



Silas Wright inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. i. 

Population of the city at this time 41,152 persons, Jan. i. 

Townsend House, on site of Montgomery Hall, opened as hotel, 

Jan. I. 

Common Council directs that the morning bell be struck from Feb. 
I St, at sunrise instead of at 8 a. m., and that the bell of the 
Fourth Presbyterian also be struck, Jan. 6. 

David \". P. Colvin, aged 45, dies, Jan. 7. 

Telegraph line first completed from Albany to Utica, Jan. 31. 

First telegraj)h office in city opened under O. S. Wood, in Exchange 
Building, Feb. i. 

John \'an Ruren appointed state attorney-general, Feb. 3. 

River open (Government record), and steamboat Norwich arrives, 

Feb. 24. 

The city having obtained possession of Arbor Hill cemetery, on Ten 
Brocck St.. which was conveyed to Dirck Bradt and 11 others bv 
Ste]:)hcn \'an Rensselaer Oct. 31, 1764, to bury corpses of Ren^- 
selaerswyck. decides to convey the property to Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, March 25. 

Steamboat Swallow wrecked near Athens, and among the 35 persons 
drowned three from this city, April 6. 






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No. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 559 

1845, 1849. 

John Keyes Paige elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election, 
receiving 3,148 votes as the Democratic candidate; Friend 
Humphrey receiving 3,110 votes as the Whig candidate; Jacob 
Lansing receiving 160 votes as the Native American candidate ; 
Nathaniel Safford receiving 12 votes as the Abolition candidate; 
blank and scattering, 9 votes ; total 6,439 votes ; J. K. Paige's 
majority over F. Humphrey, 38 votes, and John Keyes Paige is 
declared elected, April 7. 

• • • 

(See No. 44.) 

(Continued from No. 46.) 
1849. 



Friend Humphrey sworn in as Alayor of Albany, having been 
elected at the Charter election held on April loth, when he 
received 3,142 votes as the Whig candidate ; Thomas Hun re- 
ceiving 2,925 votes as the Democratic candidate ; total, 6,072 
votes; Humphrey's majority over Him being 217 votes, he was 
declared elected Mayor, April 17. 

The Albany Hospital having been incorporated on April 14th, those 
agitating a building begin soliciting subscriptions, April 17. 

Law establishing a court of special sessions goes into force, 

April 17. 

Charter election. Mayor, Friend Humphrey ; Common Council : 
William L. Osborn, Lucien B. Laney, L John W. Harcourt. 
Edward Satterlee, H. Charles W. Godard, Garret \^. S. 
Blcecker, HL John D. Hewson, George T. Ladue, IV. Henry 
Bleecker, James McNaughton, V. Charles M. Jenkins, James 
A. Wilson, VL William Gillespie, Henry B. Hewitt, VH. Pat- 
rick M. McCall, Chauncey P. Williams, VHL Richard H. 
Thomson, William Gumming, IX. Michael Artcher, George 
M. Sayles, X. Election, April 10; sworn in, April 17. 

Pier opening between State and Columbia streets having been found 
too narrow to admit vessels readily into the Basin, an Act was 
Vv'as passed on April 14th, authorizing the space to be enlarged 
from 60 to 126 feet, work commences thereon, April 18. 

New York State " Herbarium " organized by Dr. Torrey, April. 



560 FRIEND HUMPHREV. No. 43. 

1849. 

Albany & Schoharie Plank Road Co. organized at a meeting, Teunis 

Van V'echten presiding, April 20. 

Court of Special Sessions first opened by the Recorder and Justice 

Cole, April 24. 

Novel form of car, built at the James Goold carriage factory in 

this city, placed on the track of the Champlain & St. Lawrence 

road, April 28. 

Boy born of German parents on up trip of the Isaac Newton, 

May 3. 
Friends' ]\reeting-liouse, south side of Plain st., burned some, 

May 12. 
Rev. Dr. Dewey preaches farewell at Unitarian Church, May 13. 
Common Council appoints John Osborn captain of fire police. 

May 14. 
Albany Daily Messenger, one cent paper, issued first time, B. F. 

Romaine, editor, May 15. 

Ground broken at southeast corner of No. Pearl and Colonic streets 

for Holy Innocents' Church, May 16. 

Steamboat Empire wrecked on way to this city. May 18. 

Albany Sz Cohoes railroad stock, $18,000. subscribed by eight per- 
sons. May 23. 
Common Council receives report that hogs running the streets at 

large number four thousand. May 24. 

Propeller named Marcus T. Reynolds, for canal navigation, arrives 

in the Basin, May 25. 

\\'ork begun planking the Great Western Turnpike from Snipe 

street westward. May 29. 

Retiring Postmaster Wasson presented with a silver pitcher by the 

corps of clerks, May 31. 

Iron Bridge built by F. Townsend & Co. swung across the Basin 

at foot of Hamilton street to the Pier, Jwne i. 

District school on Arbor Hill opened, June i. 

]\Iayor Humphrey directs physicians to report to him each day at 

noon any cases of cholera, as Henry Husthousc had died two 

days previous of that dread disease, June 6. 

IIolv Innocents' Church corner-stone laid by Bishop Whittingham 

of the bishopric of Maryland, June 7. 

Isaac Matson, from New York, stopping at Northern Hotel, dies of 

cholera, June 8. 

An emigrant dies of cholera. June 9. 

Conrad A. Ten Eyck. a justice of Justice's Court, bursts blood-vessel 

and dies, June 10. 

Steamboat New World, a day boat, makes first appearance, 

June II. 



No. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 561 

1849. 

Albany Hydrant Co. dissolved, June 12. 

Five deaths from cholera in past three days, June 13. 

Mr. Van Wagner, " The Poughkeepsie Blacksmith," addresses a 
pressing throng at the " Temperance Pavilion " erected in No. 
Pearl St., June 14. 

Many arrests made of merchants having signs protruding more than 
18 inches from their stores, June 15. 

Thermometer 98 degrees, (being within two degrees of the Govern- 
ment record at Albany up to 1906), June 21. 

Cholera fatal cases were 2 on 26th, i on 27th, 3 on 28th, 2 on 
29th, 5 on 30th ; deaths by cholera during June number 22 out 
of 41 cases, a percentage of one in two, fatal, June 30. 

The Sunday Dutchman, weekly paper, first appears, June 30. 

Cholera becoming almost as serious an epidemic as was the plague 
in this city in 1832, seven cases on the 2nd with five of them 
fatal, and 11 cases, four deaths, July 3. 

Independence Day celebrated by three processions, July 4. 

Canal Bank receiver announces that on the i6th 40 cents, the final 
dividend and full amount of circulating bills, would be paid, 

July 7. 

Marcus T. Reynolds confirmed by Senate as Justice of Supreme 
Court, July 7. 

Cornelius J. Cuyler, aged 51 years, dies, July 10. 

Sixteen new cholera cases and three deaths, July 12 

Riot among firemen while six houses burn on Broad street, 

July 12. 

Thermometer 96 degrees at noon, ( 4 below record of July 3, 
1898), ^ July 12. 

Steamboat Alida, making first appearance this year, equals the record 
trip made by the South America on May 30, 1844, running 
time from New York 7 hours. July 18. 

Thirteen cases of cholera, six fatal, July 19. 

Harmanus Bleecker, an attorney of great prominence throughout 
the State and one of the greatest philanthropists Albany ever 
produced, dies at his residence, the southeast corner of Chapel 
and Steuben streets. He was born Oct. 19, 1779, in the house 
one door south of where he died, the fifth in descent from Jan 
Jansen Bleecker, the progenitor of the widely distributed family 
in America, who came from Meppel, province of Overyssel, 
Holland, in 1658 and was 7th Mayor of Albany. Mr. Bleecker 
studied law in the office of John V. Henry, none greater versed 
in the law at the time, and was admitted in 1801. More than 
two score lawyers of prominence were his students, among 



562 FRIEND HUMPHREY. No. 43. 

1849. 

them David Dudley Field. Several times elected to the Assem- 
bly; in 1810 elected to Congress; Regent of the University; 
commissioner to settle New York-New Jersey boundary ; de- 
clined Governor Clinton's offer of adjutant-general ; appointed 

^Minister to The Hague by A'an Buren, and for his many good 
qualities sincerely mourned, July 19. 

Steamboat Alida makes record run from New York, 6 hours, 51 
mins., July 20. 

Gen. Matthew Trotter's widow, Margaret, (Trotter's Alley from 
Broadway to river, south of Hudson ave., named after him) 
aged 80, dies, July 23. 

Large, brilliant halo about the sun, forenoon, July 25. 

State Normal school first occupies its own building erected for the 
purpose at northwest corner of Lodge and Howard streets, 

July 30. 

Cholera cases during the month numbered 343 and deaths 125, 

Jwiy 31- 

Alms-house has 405 inmates. Penitentiary has 173, Aug. i. 

National day of fasting and prayer, following the President's proc- 
lamation, because of cholera and plague ; all stores closed, 

Aug. 3. 

Board of Health orders, under penalty of $25, that sextons report 
aU burials, Aug. 10. 

Ex-Mayor John Townsend's wife, Abby, daughter of ex-]\Iayor 
Ambrose Spencer, aged 60, dies, Aug. 17. 

Seventy-six cases of cholera in 48 hours reported ; 1 1 deaths, 

Aug. 27. 

Cholera cases during month numbered 348; causing 154 deaths, 

Aug. 30. 

President Zachary Taylor arrives at Albany from the West, and 
departs on a steamboat for New York, Sept. 6. 

Lion. Henry Clay, after a visit to Martin Van Buren at his home 
in Kinderhook, comes to Albany, and in the afternoon leaves 
for a trip to the West, Sept. 8. 

Townsend's Furnace casts an enormous iron kettle for Syracuse salt 
works, weight 12 tons, 9 feet deep and 9 feet across brim, 

Sept. 13. 

Hose Depot, south side of Plain street near Philip, construction 
begun on site of haymarket, Sept. 18. 

Baron Hecker, exiled German patriot, arrives from New York with 
50 companions and leaves for Blinois, Sept. 18. 



No. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 563 

1849. 

First passenger train runs on the Hudson River railroad, New York 
to Peekskill, Sept. 19. 

Pier Company and the city have understanding regarding the Basin 
and bridges, the latter paying the company $30,000 and the 
concern to maintain the bridges, Sept. 21, 

Amos P. Palmer's wife, Hannah B., dies at Newton's Corners, 

Sept. 26. 

Erastus Corning suffers loss (Corning, Winslow & Co.) of $40,000 
by fire at the Albany Nail Works, south of Troy, Sept. 27. 

Albany Medical College opened by Dr. T. R. Beck lecturing, 

Oct. 2. 

Telegraph line (" telegraphery ") operating to Catskill, Oct. 4. 

Telegraphic communication with New York and Buffalo, Oct. 6. 

Albany, Rensselaerville & Schoharie Plank Road Co. organized, 
Lansing Prujn president, Oct. 10, 

Following heavy freshet caused by continued rainy spell, T. Carman 
went above the Troy dam and caught 7,000 suckers, which he 
brought back to the city with him, towed in scows, Oct. 11. 

Old Cherry Valley turnpike planked to Guilderland, Oct. 17. 

Anti-rent convention, Oct. 18. 

David B. Douglas, LL.D., who laid out the grounds of Albany Rural 
Cemetery, dies at Geneva College, where engaged as professor 
of Natural philosophy, Oct. 21. 

Peter Wendell, M. D., born here in 1786, one of the foremost prac- 
titioners. Regent of the University in 1823 and its Chancellor 
in 1842, dies, Oct. 29. 

Robert Hewson Pruyn elected Assemblym.an, receiving 292 more 
votes than ex-Mayor B. P. Staats, Nov. 6. 

Boardman & Gray, piano makers, receive a medal at American Insti- 
tute exhibition in New York, Nov. 8. 

Severe freshet past three days, much damage, caused by rain, 

Nov. II. 

Thanksgiving Day celebrated. Nov. 29. 

Al'-iany & Mohawk Plank Road Co. organized, capital $25,000, 
William McElroy its first president. Dec. i. 

Thos. Turner, former resident, U. S. Consul to Brazil aged 30, 
dies at Bahia, Brazil, Dec. 2. 

Corps of men sent to dig for coal 6 miles west of Coeymans, 

Dec. 10. 

First Presbyterian Church edifice, at northeast corner of So. Pearl 
and Beaver streets, sold for $17,550 to James Kidd, Dec. 13. 

Mayor Friend Humphrey elected president Albany City Tract Soc'y, 

Dec. 14. 

River C'Osed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 26. 



564 FRIEND HUMPHREY. No. 43. 

1850. 



1850. 



Legislature convenes, Jan. i. 

Population of the city 50,762, New York state, 3,097,394, Jan. i. 

Rensselaer Van Rensselaer, commander-in-chief of forces on Navy 
Island in recent Canadian Rebellion, dies at Syracuse, Jan. i. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson lectures before the Young Men's Association 
at the North Methodist Church, Jan. 10. 

Ruel Clapp, of Clapp & Townsend, proprietors of Townsend's Sai- 
saparilla, dies of heart failure, Jan. 17. 

Holy Innocents' Church first opened for service, Feb. 3. 

Thermometer 12 below zero, Feb. 6. 

Rufus G. Beardsley elected president of the Y. M. Association, 

Feb. 7. 

River open to navigation temporarily, Feb. 10. 

Albany Daily Times makes its first appearance, Jacob T. Hazen 
editor, published by Heron, Furman & Thornton, Feb. 16. 

Erastus Corning, Thomas W. Olcott, James Kidd and others peti- 
tion the Legislature for right to extend Cohoes railroad to the 
Vermont line near Bennington, Feb. 21. 

First Presbyterian church, n. e. corner So. Pearl and Beaver streets 
used for last time. Rev. Dr. J. N. Campbell delivering a fare- 
well, March 3, 

First Presbyterian Church, s. e. corner of Hudson avenue and 
Philip street, used for the first time, March 10 

River open to navigation (official record), March 10 

Congregationalists occupy former ist Presbyterian church, n. e. cor 
So. Pearl and Beaver streets, hoisting a bell weighing 2,058 lbs. 

March 22 

Democrats in convention nominate Eli Perry for Mayor, April 2 

Whigs in convention nominate Franklin Townsend for Mayor, 

April 4 

Congregationalists first use building n. e. cor. So. Pearl and Beaver 

April 7 

Water commissioners created, chapter 235, Act of, April 9 

Franklin Townsend elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election, 
receiving 3,229 votes to 3,217 cast for Eli Perry, Democratic 
candidate, and 10 blank and scattering ; total number of votes 
cast, 6,456; Franklin Townsend's majority over Eli Perry, 12 
votes, April 9. 

• • • 

(See No. 47.) 



No. 44. 

J0IIU iC^gra 5Patg^. 



April 15, 1845 — April 13, 1846. 



No. 44. 

JOHN KEYES PAIGE. 

Date of oiHce: April 15, 1845-April 13, 1846. 

Date of election: April 8, 1845. 

Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: 3,148. 

Opponent: (a) Friend Humphrey, (aa) Jacob Lansing, (aaa) 

Nathaniel Safiford. 
Political party: Whig. 

Vote: (a) 3,110, (aa) 160, (aaa) 12, blank and scattering 9. 
Total vote: 6,439. 
Date of birth : August 2, 1788. 
Place of birth: Hardwick, Mass. 
Parents: Winslow (P.) and Clarissa Keyes, 
Education: Williams College. 
Married to: Helen Yates (dau. of Gov. J. C. Yates). 

(b) Anna Maria Bloodgood (dau. of 38th Mayor). 
Date: (a) October 15, 1817, at Schenectady. 

(b) November 20, 1833, at Albany. 
Children: (a-i) Joseph Christopher Yates, 

(b-6) Anna Bloodgood, John Keyes, Clara Antoinette, 
Frances Cobham, John Keyes, Alonzo Winslow. 
Residence: No. 17 Washington avenue Schenectady. 
Occupation: Lawyer. 
Religion: Dutch Reformed. 
Date of death: December 10, 1857. 

Place of death: No. 17 Washington avenue, Schenectady. 
Place of burial: Vale Cemetery, Schenectady. 
Title: Colonel. 
Remarks: War of 181 2. President of the Canal Bank. Clerk of 

the Supreme Court 19 years. Regent, 1826. 




44- JOHN KEYES PAIGE. 
1845-1846. 
From a photograph made by Floyd of the oil painting by Inman, owned in 
1904 by his grandchildren in Schenectady. 



No. 44- JOHN KEYES PAIGE. 567 

1845. 

(Continued from No. 43.) 
1845. 



John Keyes Paige having been elected Mayor of Albany at the 
Charter election held on April 8th, at which he received 3.148 
votes as the Democratic candidate. Friend Humphrey 3,110 
votes as the Whig candidate, Jacob Lansing 160 votes as the 
Native American candidate, Nathaniel Safford 12 votes as the 
Abolition candidate, and blank and scattering 9 votes, a total of 
6,439, assumes office at the meeting of the Common Council 
as the successor of Mayor Friend Humphrey, April 15. 

Common Council elects Sylvanus H. H. Parsons its clerk and Lewis 
Benedict, Jr., city attorney, April 15. 

Charter election. Mayor, John Keyes Paige; Common Council: 
Patrick B. Rooney, Homer R. Phelps, L Benjamin Thomas, 
Samuel Westcott, H. G. V. S. Bleecker, Henry B. Haswell, 
HL James Goold, John D. Hewson, IV. Jacob H. Ten Eyck, 
Robert Hewson Pruyn, V^. John A. Livingston, Robert McCul- 
lom, VL Timothy Spears, Stephen Van R. Ableman, VH. 
John McKnight, David D. Ramsey, VHL Eli Perry, Thomas 
Coulson, IX. Michael Artcher, Philander Coley, X. Election, 
April 7; sworn in, April 15. 

Hon. Jared Lewis Rathbone, the 41st Mayor of Albany and head 
of the firm of Rathbone & Chapin, merchants, born at Salem. 
Conn., on August 2, 1791, dies at his residence, southwest cor- 
ner of State and Eagle streets, May 13. 

Albany Rural Cemetery first interment. May. 

Ira Harris' wife, Louisa, aged 35, dies. May 17. 

Second Presbyterian Church receives its bell, weighing 2,800 pounds, 

June 9. 

Common Council petitioned to restore State street pumps, June 15. 

Killian K. Van Rensselaer, son of Killian Van Rensselaer of Green- 
bush, born in 1763, attorney of high rank, many years alderman 
and member of Congress, 1801 to 181 1, and member of the 
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church consistory, aged 82 years, 
dies, June 18. 

Penitentiary building commenced, Amos Pilsbury, superintendent, 

June. 

Funeral obsequies of General Jackson carried out by military and 
civic organizations ; but interfered with by heavy rain, June 30. 



568 JOHN KE\"ES TAIGE. No. 44. 

1845. 

Independence Day celebration, Isaac Vanderpoel the orator, and R. 
S. Cushinan the reader. The Young Men's Association and 
the temperance societies Hkewise carried out similar programs, 

Jwly 4- 
Steamboat Oregon built by Smith & Dimon of New York, 1,050 
tons, 330 feet long, 35 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 72 x 132 in. 
engine. 
Steamboat Rip Van Winkle, Capt. L. D. Abell, makes her first ap- 
pearance; 220 feet long, 26 feet broad, drawing 3 ft. 10 inches 
of water, Lighthall's horizontal and half-beam engine, 44-in. 
cylinder with lO-ft. stroke, July 16. 

Robert Van Rensselaer's wife, Margaret, dies, July 17. 

Obadiah R. Van Benthuysen associated himself with Robert Pack- 
ard in the printing business in 18 13, and became a leader in the 
profession, quick to add improvements or to conceive them 
himself, and was the first in the country to apply the power of 
a steam engine to printing, and likewise the first to apply steam 
in the casting of types for printing; associated himself with 
Edwin Croswell of the Argus from 1824 to 1839 as managing 
editor, at which time the state printing was done by them ; aged 
59, dies, Aug. 15. 

Charles B. Lansing's wife, Catherine Clinton, dies, Sept. 8. 

Post-Office removed from basement of the City Hall to the Centre 
Market by order of the Common Council, Sept. 8. 

Census announcement shows a population of 41,152 persons, 

Sept. 15. 

Steamboat Oregon makes first appearance and is greatly admired 

for the improvements over previous vessels, Sept. 21. 

Steamboat Hendrik Hudson of the People's Line makes her first 

appearance; 1,170 tons, 320 feet long, 35 feet broad, 9 feet 

deep, 72x132 in. engine, Oct. 9 

Albany Gas Light Co. works completed, October 

Angus McDuffie, former sheriff, aged 54, dies, Nov. 2 

Ira Harris elected assemblyman, Nov. 4 

Penitentiary walls, built as high as roof, blown down, Nov. 9 

Albany Gas Light Co. makes a test of street lighting, Nov. 10 

William Clark, his team and cart sink out of sight while drawing 

clay at the Hudson street (avenue) pond and all drown, 

Nov. 13. 
Albany Gas Light Co. supplies residents with gas through four miles 
of pipes as an experimental test, Nov. 25. 

Dr. lames II. Armsby'swife, Anna L. H., daughter of Hon. Gib- 
son Hawley, aged 25, dies, Nov. 30. 



No. 44- JOHN KEYES PAIGE. 569 



1845-1846. 



River closed to navig-ation (Government record), Dec. 3, 

Third Presbyterian Church dedicated, Dec. 3. 
Troy and Greenbush railroad opened. 

Francis Dwight, editor of District School Journal, dies, Dec. 15. 

During the year 42 fires, total loss $57,232, Dec. 31. 



1846. 



Albany Gas Light Co., Harmon Pumpelly its first president, secures 
136 consumers and lights 90 street lamp-posts, Jan. i. 

Common Council receives report that there are 1 1 engine companies, 
2 hook and ladder companies, i hose and i axe company, 

Jan. 12. 

William Gould, head of the firm of Gould, Banks & Gould, law 
booksellers, who came to Albany in 1809 fi"om Caldwell, N. J., 
aged 72, dies, Jan. 20. 

Stephen P. Schuyler, aged 66, dies, Feb. 5. 

Casparus F. Pruyn, aged 54, dies, Feb. 11. 

River open to navigation, steamboat Columbia arriving, INIarch 17. 

Steamboat St. Nicholas put in commission, March. 

Law drawn for the acquisition of greater water supply for the 
city, the cost having been estimated at $100,000 to accomplish 
plans set forth by Alderman Haswell, April 5. 

William Parmelee elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election 
held on this day, he receiving 3,105 votes as the Whig candi- 
date, John Keyes Paige receiving 2,513 votes as the Democratic 
candidate, Chauncey Pratt Williams 22 votes, Edward Hunter 
5 votes, blank and scattering 40 votes ; total 5,685 votes, Will- 
iam Parmelee receiving a majority of 592 votes over John K. 
Paige and is declared elected Mayor of Albany, April 14. 

Charter election, IMayor, WilHam Parmelee; Common Council: 
Richard Parr, Patrick B. Rooney, L Henry C. Whelpley, John 
W. Harcourt, H. Henry Greene, James H. Pease, HL John 
D. Hewson, James Goold, IV. Andrew White, Robert Hew- 
son Pruyn, V. Thomas McElroy, John A. Livingston, VL 
Charles Chapman, John Van Ness, Jr., VH. John Harrison, 
Elkanah Hunter, VHL Arthur H. Root, Theodore Watkins, 
IX. Joshua I. Jones, Edmund Dorr, X. Election, April 
14 ; sworn in April 14, 

• • • 

(See No. 45.) 



No. 4-5. 



April 14-, 1846 — April 19, 184-7. 

April 20, 1847— April 17. 1848. 

* * * 

Jan. lO, 1854 April 16. 1855 
April 17, 1855 — March 15, 1856. 



No. 45. 
WILLIAM PARMELEE. 

Date of office: (a) April 14, 1846-April 19, 1847. 

(b) April 20, 1847-April 17, 1848. 

(c) January 10, 1854-April 10, 1855. 

(d) April 17, 1855-March 15, 1856. (death). 
Date of election: (a) April 14 1846. 

(b) April 13, 1847. 

(c) November 8, 1853. 

(d) April 10, 1855. 
Political party: Whig. 

Vote: (a) 3,105. 

(b) 4,088. 

(c) 3,073- 

Opponent: (a) John Keyes Paige, (aa) C. P. Williams, (aaa) Ed- 
ward Hunter. 

(b) James Goold, (bb) Matthew Hendrickson, (bbb) 

John G. Woodruff. 

(c) Eli Perry, (cc) Chauncey P. Williams, (ccc) Wm. 

Eggleston. 
Political party: Democrat. 
Vote: (a) 2,513, (aa) 22, (aaa) 5, blank and scattering 40. 

(b) 1,168, (bb) 606, (bbb) 78, blank and scattering 39. 

(c) 2,692, (cc) 1,165, (ccc) 6, blank and scattering 36. 
Total vote: (a) 5,685, 

(b) 5,979- 

(c) 6,972. 

Date of birtJi: November 28, 1807. 
Place of birth: Lansingburg, N. Y. 
Parents: Elias (P.) and Fanny Fitch. 
Education: Yale, 1826. 

Married to: (a) Margaretta Wright, (d. Lansingburg, Dec. 24, 
1841). 
(b) Helen Louisa Beck. 
Date: (a) Washington, D. C, 1838. 
(b) Albany, November, 1848. 
Children: (a-i) Margaretta Wright (Homans) d. Paris, 1874. 

(b-2) Harriet Caldwell (Nivert, Paris), William Cald- 
well (1853-1856). 
Residence: Mansion House. 
Occupation: Lawyer. 
Religion: Presbyterian. 
Date of death: March 15, 1856. 
Place of death : Albany. 
Place of burial: Caldwell, N. Y. 
Title: Judge. 

Remarks: City Attorney. County Judge, 1839; 1847-52. Recorder, 
1840-46. 




45- 



WILLIAM PARMELEE. 
1846-48; 1854-56. 
From a photograph made at Paris, France, by M. H. Pontes from an oil 
painting by Elliott, owned in 1904 by his daughter, Mme. Harriet Caldwell 
Parmelee Nivert. 



No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 573 

1846. 

(Continued from No. 44.) 
1846. 



William Parmelee assumes the office of Mayor of Albany, having 
received 3,105 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent, John 
Keyes Paige, receiving 2,513 votes as the Democratic candidate, 
Chauncey Pratt Williams receiving 22 votes, Edward Hunter 
receiving 5 votes, and 40 votes counted as blank or scattering; 
total number of votes cast, 5,685 ; Parmelee's majority over 
Paige being 592 votes, April 14. 

Penitentiary's south wing nearly ready for occupancy, April. 

Ira Harris elected a member of Constitutional Convention, April 28. 

Benjamin Knower, aged 33, dies at Marseilles. France, May 18. 

Albany portion of National Guard enrolled in Third Division. 

Constitutional Convention assembles, June i. 

Peter Boyd, whose father came to this city from Scotland in 1774, 
a merchant of upright dealing, dies, July 3. 

Telegraph line completed between Albany and New York, Jnly 3. 

Walter Whitney, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 87, dies, July 17. 

Steamboat Thomas Powell built by Lawrence & Sneden, 585 tons, 
231 feet long, 28 feet broad, 9 feet deep, 48 x 132 in. engine. 

Feudal tenure abolished by Constitutional Convention, July. 

Clinton Lodge, No. 7, L O. O. F., re-instituted, Aug. 26. 

Largest fire in eight years, destroying brewery and malt-house of R. 
Boyd & Co. and Mineral Spring Garden, also dwellings. Ferry 
and Arch streets, Sept. 8. 

Mohawk & Hudson railroad elects John T. Norton president to suc- 
ceed Isaac Newton, who had resigned, Sept. 8. 

Rev. James Martin, a divine and writer, born in this city in 1796, 
dies at Cannonsburg, Pa. 

Telegraph line completed between Albany and Bufifalo, Sept. 9. 

Roman Catholic diocese of Albany (Bishop John McCluskey, later 
to be the first American cardinal) formed. 

N. Y. Encampment No. i, I. O. O. F., re-instituted, Sept. 22,. 

Constitutional Convention, after a session of 131 days, ends, Oct. 8. 

Steamboat Isaac Newton makes her first appearance, built by Wm. 
H. Brown of New York, 1,332 tons, 338 feet long, 40 feet 
broad, 10 feet deep, 81 x 144 in. engine, Capt. W. H. Peck, 
running on the People's Line, Oct. 9. 

Henry L. Webb, a founder of the Canal Bank and at this time presi- 
dent of the Albany Gas Light Co., dies at Hartford, Conn., 

Oct. 12. 



574 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45. 

1846-1847. 

Death of Eliza^ widow of Samuel Dexter, formerly a citizen of 
great prominence, aged 84, Oct. 18. 

One of the city's large conflagrations, consuming ^IcCoy & Clark's 
stove manufactory in Montgomery street, John Gibson's 
planing-mill, the fur manufactory of George C. Treadwell and 
Wm. H. DeWitt's stave and lumber yard, Oct. 21. 

Cost of operating district schools the past year $12,280.89, Oct. 31. 

Marcus T, Reynolds elected to the Assembly, and John I. Slinger- 
land to the Congress, Nov. 3, 

Professor Joseph Henry of Albany, where he was born on Dec. 17, 
1797, and was instructor in the natural sciences at the Albany 
Academy from Sept. ii, 1826, until he went to Princeton to 
be a member of the faculty, in November, 1832, is invited to be- 
come the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at Wash- 
ington, now being organized for the promotion of science and 
the diffusion of knowledge under the liberal bequest of James 
Smithson, of London, Eng., (born in England about 1765) who 
had died at Genoa on June 27, 1829. The original sum was 
105,000 English pounds, and it had increased by wise invest- 
ment to $703,000, before it was ready for use as designated. 
By the Act of Congress, approved Aug. 10, 1846, it was 
founded. He was asked within thirty days to be its directing 
head and organizer, with the title of Secretary. He was loth 
to leave Princeton University, where he was at times free to 
conduct his researches in the electrical realm, and at the time 
wrote : " If I go, I shall probably exchange permanent fame 
for transient reputation," meaning that fame signified a certain 
gain for scientific knowledge. (As a matter of record, in one 
year he became so satisfied that he was accomplishing great 
results, that he declined twice the salary of the government, 
offered by the University of Pennsylvania to accept the chair 
of natural philosophy there). He accepts the offer and becomes 
the head of the Smithsonian Institution, its Secretary, Dec. 3. 

Common Council decides to light the City Hall with gas, Dec. 14. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 14. 



1847. 



John Young inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. i. 
River open at this date before city, warm and springlike, Jan. i. 
Common Council resolves to subscribe $100,000 so soon as indi- 
viduals take $150,000 more of the waterworks stock, Jan. 11. 



No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 575 

1847. 

Albany Rural Cemetery appoints Low Weatherwax its (2nd) su- 
perintendent. 

Firm of E. Corning & Co. moves into its new store, finest in the 
city, No. 467 Broadway, east side north of State street, Jan. 15. 

Hudson River Railroad Co. stock now being subscribed, Feb. i. 

Odeon, a new theatre on Broadway, opened, Feb. i. 

Starving Ireland the subject of a meeting in the Capitol, Feb. 12. 

Schenectady & Albany road becomes Albany & Schenectady. 

Three Roman Catholic churches raise $5,329 for Ireland's aid, 

March 7. 

Funeral honors paid to the remains of Capt. Lewis N. Morris, 

March 9. 

25th Regiment, Col. Edward Frisby, organized here. 

Dr. William Bay given a banquet on completion of 50 years of 
practice, by Dr. T. Romeyn Beck and others at Congress Hall, 

March 30. 

Jakey Jackson, famed as a cleaner of lawyers' offices, dies, April 7. 

River open to navigation (Government record), April 7. 

Mohawk river breaks up, causing a flood so that storehouses on the 
Pier are swept away, and an enormous quantity of grain lost, 

April 10. 

John Tweddle's wife, Sarah, aged 51, dies, April 12. 

William Parmelee re-elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter elec- 
tion, receiving 4,088 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent, 
James Goold, receiving 1,168 votes as the Democratic candi- 
date ; Matthew Hendrickson receiving 606 votes ; John G. 
Woodruff receiving 78 votes ; blank and scattering, 39 votes ; 
total number of votes cast, 5,979; Parmelee's majority over 
James Goold being 2,920, Parmelee is declared elected Alayor, 

April 13. 
• • • 

William Parmelee assumes the office of Mayor of Albany, having 
been re-elected at the Charter election held on April 13th, when 
he received 4,088 votes as the Whig candidate, being a majority 
of 2,920 votes over James Goold, the Democratic candidate, 

April 20. 

Charter election. Mayor William Parmelee; Common Council: 
Richard Parr, Samuel W. Harned, I. George B. Riggs. Wil- 
liam W. Forsyth, II. Henry B. Haswell, George A. H. Engle- 
hart, III. Franklin Townsend, Daniel Fry, IV. Andrew 
White, Robert Hewson Pruyn, V. John A. Livingston, Charles 
M. Jenkins, VI. Rensselaer West, Uri Burt, VII. John Har- 



576 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45. 

1847. 

rison, Patrick McCall, VIII. George Traver, William Gum- 
ming, IX. Roswell Steele, Daniel B. Bassett, X. Election, 
April 13 ; sworn in, April 20. 

John Hoy, Jr., and E. D. Goodrich of Boston establish a tin goods 
business (continuing there in 1905) at No. 15 Green street, 

April 21. 

Second Presbyterian Church (built at cost of $75,000 in 1816) reno- 
vated at an expense of $9,000 in its interior, April 25. 

Mrs. John Van Ness Yates dies in New York city, April 29. 

Rev. James McDonough, pastor of St. John's, So. Ferry street, 
preaches farewell on departing for Brooklyn, May 9. 

Rev. Dr. Schneller, pastor of St. Mary's for 12 years, transferred 
to a Brooklyn parish, May 10. 

Rev. Horatio Potter's wife, Mary Jane, dies at Schenectady, 

June 7. 

Amasa Junius Parker and Ira Harris elected Justices of the Su- 
preme Court, June 7. 

Mount Hermon Lodge, I. O. O. F., instituted, June 18. 

Col. James McKown, a highly respected attorney, who had studied 
law under John V. Henry and had been City Recorder for 
more than 15 years, assemblyman and regent, aged 58, dies, 

June 26. 

Gerrit L. Dox, who had held responsible political positions, dies at 
Waterloo, aged 62, Aug. 2. 

Steamboat New World, built by Wm. H, Brown of New York, 1,418 
tons, 385 feet long, 35 feet broad, 11 feet deep, 76x180 in. 
engine, commences running. 

John Erskine Lovett, many years city attorney, later an alderman 
and for last 14 years of his life the Albany Insurance Co.'s sec- 
retary, an amiable, refined and learned man, aged 52, dies, 

Aug. 19. 

Steamboat Alida, built by William H. Brown of New York, 640 
tons, 265 feet long, 30 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 56 x 144 in. 
engine, commences running. 

Board of Trade organized. 

Sixty teams with carts employed since 1844 filling in and grading 
the Hudson avenue ravine, the Ruttenkill creek, between Lark 
and Plawk streets, about complete the extensive work, August. 

Munsell's " Annals of Albany " begin at this date, 10 volumes, con- 
taining back from this date " Notes from the Newspapers," as 
a diary, to 1771 ; but first 20 years only a dozen items yearly, 

Sept. 7. 

Albany Morning Express, penny daily, James Stanley Smith, editor, 
first issued by Stone & Henly, Sept. 13, 



No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 577 

1847. 

Capt. Abram Van O'Linda, an officer of the Albany Republican Ar- 
tillery, killed at Battle of Chapultepec, Mexico, Sept. 13. 

Rev. John McCloskey instituted first Roman Catholic bishop of 
Albany by Bishop Hughes, Sept. 19. 

Democratic county convention results in a split, the Barnburners 
choosing- Peter Cagger as delegate to the state convention at 
Syracuse, and the Old Hunkers delegating Henry Rector, 

Sept. 24. 

Steamboat Armenia built by Thomas Collyer, 398 tons, 185 feet 
long, 28 feet broad, 8 feet deep, 40 x 168 in. engine, put on. 

Corn amounting to 20,000 bushels arrives by canal this day, 

Sept. 27 

Robert Hewson Pruyn nominated by Whigs for Assembly, Sept. 29 

Catherine Van Benthuysen, aged 33, dies, Oct. i 

George Dexter's wife, Mary Magdaline Cuyler, dies, Oct. 4 

Anti-renters hold convention and nominate, Oct. 13 

Common Council and citizens depart on the Hendrick Hudson to be 
present at laying of corner-stone of Washington monument on 
the following day in New York, Oct. 18. 

Omnibus line started from Exchange building on east side of Broad- 
way, above State street, to Newton's Corners on Shaker Road, 

Oct. 19. 

V. M. A. membership numbers 1,300 persons, Oct. 20. 

First Presbyterian Church foundations begun, Philip street and 
Hudson avenue, J. R. Hays and Henry Rector contracting for 
$50,000, Oct. 23 

St. Joseph's Church collection for new Cathedral $4,500, Oct. 24 

Common Council committee reports in favor of removing the bodies 
from Arbor Hill Cemetery, Ten Broeck street, but no action 

Oct. 25 

Barnburners' party holds stirring meeting in " Old " Capitol, 

Oct. 29 

Crawford Livingston, who opened in this city the first express com 
pany's office here, Pomeroy's, dies of consumption, Nov. 4 

Millerites disappointed here that the world does not come to an 
end on this date as they had calculated, Nov. 9 

Riot at a fire between Companies 5 and 6, breaking skulls of fire- 
men with hose nozzles, caused by jealousies, Nov. 20 

Benjamin F. Butler delivers opening annual lecture of Y. M. A. 

Nov. 23 

Thanksgiving Day observed, Indian foot-race at Bull's Head, 

Nov. 25 

Beth Jacob synagogue corner-stone laid, Madison avenue and Fulton 
street by Rabbi Isaac Wise, Dec. 



5/8 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45. 

1847-1848. 

First Presbyterian Church, (PhiHp street and Hudson avenue) cor- 
ner-stone laid, Dec. 6. 

Fire chief first popularly elected, James McOuade receiving 240 
votes and John Niblock 208 votes, Dec. 7. 

Dr. Charles D. Townsend, eminent practitioner, aged 69, dies, 

Dec, 17. 

First telegraphic communication with St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 23. 

Burg'esses" Corps escort remains of Mexican War veterans to Buf- 
falo. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 25. 



1848. 



David Perkins Page, first principal of New York State Normal 
School, aged 38, dies, Jan. i. 

Legislature convenes, now limited to 100 days' session, Jan. 4. 

Gov. John Young's (second) annual message, i2,coo words, tele- 
graphed to New York in 8 hours, Jan. 4. 

Thermometer 18 degrees below zero, Jan. 11. 

William Chapman elected president of Board of Trade, Feb. 2. 

JNIajor-General Quitman, arrived from Mexico, escorted about the 
city by the military bodies and enthusiastically received, Feb. 7. 

Sheriff, on going to Berne to sell property for rents, is followed by 
forty men on horseback, who hoot and blow tin horns at him 
and his posse, insulting them in various ways, Feb. 17. 

River line survey for a railroad from Albany to New York adopted 
by the directors by a vote of 10 to 2, Feb. 19. 

Aurora borealis so intense as to lead to a fire alarm. Feb. 21. 

Announcement of the death on Feb. 23rd of ex-President John 
Quincy Adams (born at Braintree. Mass., July 11, 1767, the 
6th president, 1825-29) made in this city, Feb. 24. 

Prof. Louis Agassiz commences course of lectures at Female 
Academy on natural history topics, Feb. 29. 

St. Vincent de Paul Society organized. 

N. Y. State Normal School elects George R. Perkins its 2nd prin- 
cipal to succeed the late David Perkins Page. 

Albany Academy elects Rev. Wm. H. Campbell, D. D., its (3rd) 
principal. 

Ex-Mayor Ambrose Spencer, Judge of the Supreme Court in 1804 
and holding numerous positions of prominence (born at Salis- 
bury, Conn., Dec. 13, 1765) dies at Lyons, N. Y., March 13. 



No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 579 

1848, 1854. 

Odd Fellows' Hall, Cooper Building, corner of Green and State 
streets, dedicated, March 15. 

Funeral of ex-Mayor Ambrose Spencer at St. Peter's Church, the 
procession one of the most impressive in years, March 18. 

Capt. John Cook escorted to the station by his artillery company on 
his departure to join the army in Mexico, March 18. 

Penitentiary chapel dedicated by Rev. Dr. Wyckoff, March 19. 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 22. 

Assembly passes bill providing for a bridge across the Basin, full 
width of State street, and street of same width across the Pier, 

March 24. 

Albany & Cohoes railroad bill passes Senate, March 28. 

Nicholas Van Rensselaer, who fought in the Revolution at storming 
of Quebec. Ticonderoga, Fort Miller, Fort Ann and Bemis' 
Heights when Burgoyne surrendered, deputized to convey the 
news of Burgoyne's surrender to Albany, aged 94, dies, 

March 29. 

William Caldwell, respected retired merchant, succeeding his father, 
James Caldwell, at No. 58 State street, residing largely at his 
place at Caldwell on Lake George, aged 'J2, dies, April i. 

Rufus H. Peckham's wife, Isabella Adeline (dau. of Rev. Wm. B. 
Lacey of St, Peter's Church) dies, April 3. 

Hon. Wm. H. Seward delivers eulogy on late President John 
Ouincy Adams in the North Dutch Church, April 6. 

John Taylor elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election, re- 
ceiving 3,120 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent. Dr. 
Thomas Hun, receiving 2,991 votes as the Democratic candi- 
date ; blank and scattering, 4; total number of votes cast, 6,115 ; 
Taylor's majority over Hun being 129 votes, John Taylor is de- 
clared elected Mayor of Albany, April 11. 
• • • 
(See No. 46.) 



(Continued from No. 48.) 
1854. 



William Parmelee assumes the office of Alayor of Albany, having 
been elected at the Charter election held on Nov. 8, 1853, re- 
ceiving 3,073 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent, Mayor 
Eli Perry, receiving 2,692 votes as the Democratic candidate ; 
Chauncey Pratt Williams receiving 1,165 votes; William Eggle- 



580 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45. 

1854. 

ston receiving 6 votes ; blank and scattering. 36 votes ; total, 
6,972 votes ; Parmelee's majority over Perry being 381 votes, 

Jan. 10. 

Charter election, Mayor, William Parmelee ; Common Council : 
John McEvoy, Stephen Harris, I. Thomas B. Morrow, Eben- 
ezer G. Chesebro, II. John B. Rossman, Gerrit V. S. Bleecker, 
III. John C. Feltman, John McB. Davidson, IV. Gilbert L. 
Wilson, Richard Van Rensselaer, V. Thomas McElroy, Henry 
Russell, VI. Thomas Higgins, George R. Vanderlip, VII. 
William Jones, Patrick M. McCall, VIII. Richard. H.Thomp- 
son, David H. Gary, IX. Charles W. Godard, Theodore Town- 
send, X. Election, Nov. 8, 1853 ; sworn in, Jan. 10. 

Albany Burns Club organized, Jan. 13. 

Hendrick Insurance Agency (continuing in 1906) established. 

Ice moves from before the city carrying two ferry-boats, which col- 
lide and stave in the sides, Jan .13. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Bayard dies at the Manor House of Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, aged 92 years, Jan. 17. 

Capt. J. W. Harcourt presented with a sword costing $200 by the 
Cavalry Corps, Jan. 20. 

Joseph Fearey establishes a shoe manufactory (the firm existing in 
1906), and makes the city famed for those goods. 

River again frozen so as to impede navigation of ferries, Jan. 23. 

Price of commodities high, coal at $8 a ton, flour at $10 a barrel, 
and potatoes selling at $1.25 a bushel, Jan. 25. 

Paul Cushman's wife, Mary Jane, dies, Jan. 27. 

Reuben H. Bingham appointed city engineer and surveyor, imme- 
diately inaugurating the city's first sewerage system. 

John Mead's Avife, Louisa, aged 69, dies, Jan. 31. 

German element gathers in Capitol Park and burns an efiigy of 
Bedini, the pope's nuncio, as at other cities, Feb. i. 

George C. Lee elected president of the Young Men's Asso'n, Feb. 3. 

Bill introduced before Legislature providing for a bridge across the 
Hudson, as had been previously often attempted, Feb. 18. 

Legislature presented with a petition by women desiring right to 
vote, signed by more than ten thousand, Feb. 20. 

Common Council petitions Legislature for right to loan $300,000 to 
the Northern Railroad to aid construction, Feb. 24. 

Hudson Street Temperance House, south side of Hudson street 
(avenue) between Broadway and river, taken down, March 6. 

Ice moving from before city causes dam at the Overslaugh, 

March 11. 



No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 581 

1854. 

Ex-Mayor Friend Humphrey dies, born at Simsbury, Conn., March 
8, 1787, started at Lansingburg in the leather and tannery busi- 
ness and coming to this city in 1811 continued it until he had 
amassed a considerable fortune; of such integrity and moral 
strictness that he closed markets on Sunday; senator, 1839, 

March 15. 

River open to navigation, the Hoboken arriving from New York. 

March 16. 

Henry Yates, who conducted the mammoth State lotteries, aged 84, 
dies at his home on Westerlo street, March 20, 

Dr. Asa Fitch, of this city, made the first entomologist of this (as 
well as of any other) State. 

Strong south wind clears ice obstructions at the Overslaugh, where 
the large steamboat Oregon had been held there a week, 

March 31. 

German opera, a title not understood because of the novelty here, 
introduced at the Green Street theatre, April 3. 

Opponents of temperance reform call out the governor and he is 
addressed by the editor of the Freie Blatter, following which a 
serious riot ensues, April 4. 

Pier submerged by the seventh freshet of this spring, April 28. 

Water so high that canal weighlock is inoperative. May i. 

John Hendrickson, Jr., of New Scotland, who had been sentenced at 
the City Hall on April 7th before a vast concourse, by Judge 
Harris, for murdering his wife by poison, hanged in the Maiden 
Lane jail, May 5. 

The six-penny savings bank connected with the Bank of the Capitol, 
first of its kind in the city, begins business. May 8. 

River improvement inaugurated by Major Frazier, carrying out the 
work between this city and Castleton under the government 
appropriation of $50,000, May 10. 

Joel Rathbone, one of the most respected of citizens, knocked down 
by an unknown while walking up Elk street in evening, and 
reward of $100 ofifered for arrest of assailant. May 15. 

John C. Spencer, an able lawyer, dies. May 20. 

Common Council votes a loan of $300,000 to Northern Railroad, 

]\Iay 23. 

Immigrants numbering 2,000, in 34 cars, pass through to West, 

May 24. 

Eclipse of the sun observed. May 26. 

One hundred arrests by police for Sunday liquor selling. May 29. 



582 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45. 



1854. 



Law enforced preventing swine from running loose in streets, re- 
sulting in the capture of 15,000 hogs before the people believed 
it was a movement in earnest against the ancient custom, 

June ID. 

Joel JMunsell's wife, Jane C, aged 42, dies, June 17. 

Cattle traffic by rail growing extensive, 69 cars bearing 1,380 cattle, 
leave across the river for the metropolis, June 25. 

Independence Day celebration, including a company of about fifty 
veterans of the War of 181 2 under Gen. John S. Van Rensse- 
laer, July 4. 

Thermometer 98 degrees (being only 2 degrees below the city's 
record up to July 3, 1898), July 4. 

Lumber District's activity leading all other city enterprises, on this 
day 44 vessels loading at the dock, July 8. 

Co. B, of Tenth Battalion, known as Washington Continentals, 
organized as an independent company, July 4. 

Thermometer report at places 100 degrees in shade, July 21. 

Health board reports 29 cases of cholera and 1 1 deaths in past three 
days, July 25. 

Health board reports 60 cases of cholera and 26 deaths during the 
past four days, Aug. 2. 

Thomas B. Washington, grandnephew of President George Wash- 
ington, about to return to Mrginia, aged 40, dies here suddenly, 

Aug. 2. 

Health board reports 86 cases of cholera, 28 of them fatalities, dur- 
ing the past three days, Aug. 5. 

President Pierce vetoes appropriation of $50,000 to improve navi- 
gation near this city, Aug. 5. 

Common Council decides to widen Patroon street (Clinton ave.) 
from No. Pearl street to Broadway, Aug. 7. 

Albany City Hospital first opened at the southeast corner of Eagle 
and Howard streets, the old jail being fitted to suit the pur- 
poses, which institution since its start in 1851 had treated 417 
cases. Aug. 8. 

Former Albany Hospital on Lydius street (Madison ave.) opened 
as a cholera hospital, Aug. 10. 

Evert Van Allen, surveyor for city, whose ancient maps proved of 
good service in settling lot boundaries, dies, Aug. 14. 

Edwin Croswell, editor of The Argus since about 1824, retires, hav- 
ing had a stroke of paralysis on Jan. 5th in New York, 

Aug. 18. 

Ex-Mayor John Townsend dies. He was born June 14, 1783, at 
Sterling, Orange Co., N. Y., and came to this city in 1802 as 



No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 583 

1854. 

clerk to his brother, Isaiah, in the old iron foundry ; with 
William James of this city was the first to manufacture salt at 
Syracuse by the solar evaporation process ; was the 37th Mayor 
and elected for three terms, during one of which (1832) he 
was most energetic in holding the cholera plague in check; 
married daughter of Mayor Ambrose Spencer ; at time of death 
was president of Commercial Bank, Water Commissioners, 
Albany Exchange Co., Albany Savings Bank, Albany Pier Co., 
Syracuse Coarse Salt Co., Albany Insurance Co., and Water- 
vliet Turnpike Co., and is greatly mourned by citizens, Aug. 26. 

Rev. Wm. B. Lacey, former rector of St. Peter's, after absence of 
22 years, returns from Jackson, Miss., preaching twice, 

Aug. 27. 

Rev. Dr. Wm. B. Sprague preaches on 25th anniversary of his 
coming to the Second Presbyterian Church, the only pastor of 
that time now in the city, Aug. 27. 

Ex-Mayor John Townsend's funeral, stores closing meanwhile, 

Aug. 28. 

Wm. A. Tweed Dale, the only principal (and for long period) of 
the Lancaster school on west side of Eagle St., aged 79, dies, 

Aug. 28. 

Commercial Bank elects John Lawrence Schoolcraft its (3rd) presi- 
dent, because of death of ex-Mayor John Townsend, Aug. 31. 

Gerrit Yates Lansing elected president of Albany Savings Bank, 
vice John Townsend, deceased. 

Painting for the Capitol at Washington by Powell, representing 
DeSoto's discovery of the Mississippi, exhibited here, Sept. 7. 

Samuel Stevens, eminent lawyer, aged 56, dies at Rochester, 

Sept. II. 

Office of Albany Northern railroad changed from Steuben and 
Water sts. to Maiden Lane and Dean street, Sept, 18. 

Juliet Lewis, last of descendants of Robert Lewis who started 
Lewis' Tavern corner of Pearl and State streets, aged 75, dies, 

Sept. 20. 

Common Council elects C. W. Bender city chamberlain, Sept. 29. 

Rev. Dr. Horatio Potter, rector of St. Peter's, elected provisional 
bishop of New York diocese, Sept. 29. 

Burgesses' Corps banquet in the Capitol in celebration of 21st anni- 
versary, and present a cane to the first captain, John O. Cole, 

Oct. 9. 

Congregational Church uses new bell, 2,020 lbs. to replace the one 
cracked the preceding Sunday, Oct. i8. 

Widow of Isaiah Townsend, Hannah, aged 71, dies at West Point, 

Oct. 31. 



584 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45. 

1854-1855. 

Hon. Alexander Hamilton's widow, Elizabeth Schuyler (dau. of 
Gen. Philip Schuyler, born at Schuyler Mansion in south part 
of city, on Aug. 7, 1757, married Alexander Hamilton in same 
house in 1780, he being one of Gen. Geo. Washington's aids 
and later the first Secretar}^ of the Treasury, shot by Aaron 
Burr in duel at Weehawken, July 11, and died July 12, 1804, 
at New York city) dies at Washington of old age, her life 
having been spent largely in New York after her illustrious 
husband's death, and where she founded the New York Orphan 
Asylum ; but had another home at the National capital in which 
she was wont to receive notable guests and wherein she peace- 
fully dies, Nov. 7. 

Rev. Dr. Horatio Potter of St. Peter's Church instituted bishop of 
the New York diocese with imposing ceremonial, Nov. 22. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. o. 

Schuyler Mansion experiences slight fire, Dec. 9. 

Old State Hall (Capitol) at southwest corner State and Lodge 
streets, work of taking down begun, Dec. 18. 



1855. 



Myron H. Clark inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. i. 

Bank of Albany declares extraordinary 50% dividend in the form 
of stock raised from 8240,000 to $360,000, Jan. i. 

Charter officials holding office for this year : Mayor, William Parme- 
lee ; Common Council : John McEvoy, Cornelius McCloskey, I. 
Thomas B. Morrow, George B. Johnson, H. John B. Rossman, 
Gerrit V. S. Bleecker, HI. John C. Feltman, Erastus H. Pease, 
IV. Gilbert L. Wilson, Richard Van Rensselaer, V. Thomas 
McElroy, Henry Russell, VI. Thomas Higgins, John Benson, 
VII. William Jones, Hiram Gilbert, VIII. Richard H. Thomp- 
son. Plenry J. Wells, IX. Charles W. Godard, Andrew M. 
Bullock, X. In office on, Jan. i. 

Legislature convenes, Jan. 2. 

Sixty-nine sheep crossing river on ice to trains, drowned, Jan. 6. 

Rev. Ezra A. Huntington's farewell sermon at 3rd Presbyterian, 

Jan. 7. 

Theodore V. \'an Heusen's wife, Catherine C, aged 32, dies, 

Jan. f.. 

Widow of Mayor Philip S. Yan Rensselaer, Anne DePeyster Van 
Cortlandt, (married in 1787) the youngest daughter of Pierre 



Xo. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 585 

1855. 

\ an Cortlandt, first and for i8 years lieutenant-governor of 
Xew York, who was born at the \'an Cortland Manor House 
at Croton. X'. Y., in 1766, dies at the home where she and her 
husband had entertained with splendor while he was }^Iayor 
for 19 years, northeast corner of State and Chapel streets, 

Jan. 10. 
Sleighload of persons in crossing on the ice to the train across the 
river, break through and escape, but horses drown, Jan. 19. 
Herman Knickerbocker, lawyer, who studied under John \ . Henry, 
(born July 2"/, 1779, grandson of Col. Knickerbocker who se- 
cured the land at Schaghticoke from the city, when a tract 
[site of village] six miles square was sold for Si, 000) dies at 
the homestead, Jan. 30. 

Legislature elects W'm. H. Seward U. S. Senator for 6 years, and 
300 guns fired in celebration. Feb. 6. 

Thermometer 20 degrees below zero (unofficial), Feb. 7. 

Gas Light Co. to reduce from 4 to 3 cents per foot, Feb. 7. 

Ralph P. Lathrop elected president of the Young Men's Ass'n, 

Feb. 8. 

Capt. Amos Pilsbury, superintendent of Penitentiary, presented 

with gold-headed cane on 50th birthdav bv his manv friends, 

Feb. 8. 

Washington's Birthdav celebrated bv parade of Colonel Frisby's 

25th Regiment, and oration by Samuel G. Courtney in the 

Capitol. Feb. 22. 

Gen. Sam Houston lectures before Y. M. A. on " Lidian Race." 

Feb. 26. 
Murderer Phelps escapes in earlv morning, caught on tow-path, 

March S. 
River open, steamboat Oregon coming up during night, IMarch 19. 
Governor Clark commutes sentence of Phelps ( murder) to life, 

]\Iarch 2"/. 
Lewis Clark, who died on 27th, senior partner of Clark & Blake, 
an officer of the War of 1812. buried with military honors, 

March 29. 
St. Joseph's Church robbed of sacramental vessels, worth $300, 

April T. 
Tennis A'an ^'echten"s farmhouse on plank road beyond alms-house, 
destroyed by fire, April I. 

Cross on St. ]^Iary's Church carried away by the windstorm. 

April I, 

Delavan House, n. e. corner Broadway and Steuben, brilliantly 

illuminated because of passage of the temperance bill, Mr. 



586 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45. 

1855. 

Delavan being one of the staunches! advocates of temperance, 
much to the disgust or displeasure of those stopping at his 

famous hostelry, April lo. 

William Parmelee re-elected Mayor of Albany, April lo. 

Cohoes incorporated, as village of Watervliet, April 12. 

Legislature adjourns after session of 103 days, April 14. 



William Parmelee resumes official duties of Mayor of Albany, 
having on April loth been re-elected, April 17. 

Albany Dime Savings Bank, John Winne, president, organized, 

April 17. 

Occulation of Venus observed at 8:38 p. m., April 18. 

Dyer Lathrop (b. Norwich, Conn.,) who came to this city in 1811, 
an industrious, upright merchant, alderman, supervisor, treas- 
urer from start of Albany Orphan Asylum and when that insti- 
tution was in need used his own money for its relief, aged 6"j, 
dies, April 19. 

Albany Museum, n. w. corner Broadway and State St., conducted 
many years by Henry Trowbridge, closed, the curiosities trans- 
ported to form a floating museum on the Mississippi, and the 
building converted into offices, April 28. 

Total eclipse of moon beginning at 9:20 p. m.. May i. 

Green Street Theatre opened by recent manager of Museum, 
Charles T. Smith, May 2. 

Rev. Samuel T. Seelye installed at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 

May .3. 

Rev. Ebenezer Halley commences pastorate of 3rd Presbyterian, 

May 6. 

Sturgeon 10^ feet long, 350 lbs., shown at Centre Market, May 8. 

Policeman on patroling bounds of city, Lydius (Madison ave.) and 
Hawk streets, attacked by wild animal, proving a mink, 

May 8. 

John D. Chism's wife, Hannah M., aged 34, dies. May 10. 

Common Council passes law prohibiting martial music on Sunday, 
providing a penalty of $10, May 14. 

Ezekiah C. Mcintosh, who placed the Albany & Schenectady roa'l 
on a good financial basis when embarrassed, as its president, 
dies. May 23. 

William Mayell, who came here from London in June, 1795, and 
conducted a prominent hat manufactory on east side of Broad- 
way below State st., an active member of Mechanics' Society, 
aged 83, dies, May 28. 

Dr. H. D. Paine's wife, Eliza Hale, dies. May 31. 



No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 587 



1855. 



State Hall or Capitol, from 1797 for about 35 years, at s. vv. corner 
State and Lodge streets, removed for new building site, 

June 6. 
Azor Tabor, very able lawyer, dies, June 10. 

Rev. Duncan Kennedy preaches farewell at No. Dutch Church, 

June 24. 
Residence of Chancellor John Van Ness Yates, No. 106 State street, 
being torn down by workmen, June 26. 

Rev. Ebenezer Halley installed at 3rd Presbyterian Church, 

June 27. 
Thermometer 99 degrees, within one degree of century record, 

June 30. 
Luke F. Newland, a man of fine literary and social attainments 
that had endeared him widely in the city, aged 6^, dies, 

July 18. 
Last building (dwellings) on east side of Montgomery street, de- 
molished to allow laying Central Road's tracks, July 21. 
North River steamboat Commerce sinks off Harlem Flats. 

July 24. 

Reservoir on Lydius (Madison ave.) street, above Eagle, supplied 

by a spring, caves in, much earth disappearing, July 28. 

Athenaeum Building, west side of Broadway above State street, 

being demolished to form site for Exchange Bank and Bank 

of the Union, July ^o. 

July 30. 

Basements of houses throughout the city inundated and causing 

people to mount chairs on the hill streets, caused by downpour, 

Aug. 23. 

David Pruyn's widow, Hebertie Lansing, a woman of superior 

benevolence and piety, aged. 83, dies, Sept. 2. 

Steamboat New World, one of the largest afloat, made by Isaac 

Newton, a native of this city, rebuilt with the first gallery tiers 

of rooms, makes first appearance at Albany, Sept. 6. 

A hundred persons watching a canal-boat afire from the State street 

bridge to Pier precipitated into water by falling of the side, 

Sept. 23. 
Mrs. Catherine Schuyler dies, aged 92, at Watervliet, Sept. 28. 
Samuel Wilkeson becomes editor of Evening Journal in place of 
Thurlow Weed, retiring, Oct. i. 

First diocesan synod of the Roman Catholic See at Albany, Oct. 7. 
Sacred Heart convent removed from So. Pearl to the Hillhouse 
property on the Troy Road, some miles above city. 



588 \\ILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45. 

1855-1856. 



Seth Crapo, merchant of great probity, aged 54, dies, Oct. 24. 

National Express Co., formed from several Albany concerns. 

Steamboat Diamond's hull, being used as coal barge, run into and 
sunk at foot of Hamilton street, with 200 tons of coal, 

Oct. 31. 

All the candidates of the Know Nothings win at election, Nov. 7. 

Stephen Clark elected State Treasurer, Nov. 7. 

Dr. Theodric Romeyn Beck, (b. Schenectady, Aug. 11, 1791) who 
received the degree of Doctor Medicine in 181 1 and was prin- 
ci])al of the Albany i\cademy from 1817 to 1848, made president 
of its board of trustees in 1852, (his daughter, Helen, married 
Mayor Parmelee) dies after a long illness which he bore 
bravely, Nov. 19. 

Rev. Thos. Clapp Pitkin, New Haven, chosen rector of St. Peter's, 

Dec. 2. 

Jos. Alexander, former president Commercial Hank, liberal, 91, dies, 

Dec. 17. 

Louis D. Pilsbury made su]ierintendent of the Penitentiary to suc- 
ceed his father who had resigned, Dec. 20. 

River closed to navigation for season (Government record), 

Dec. 20. 



1856. 



Legislature convenes, Jan. i. 

Thermometer 10 degrees below zero, and a lunatic escaped from 

alms-house frozen to death in nearby graveyard, Jan. 10. 

Albany City Tract & Missionary Society incorporated, January. 
Gerrit V. S. Bleecker, alderman 16 years, aged 65, dies, Jan. 12. 
German Lutheran Church on State street dedicated, Jan. 13. 

Washington Continentals go to Newburgh to parade at funeral of 

Usual Knapp, last of Washington's Life Guards, Jan. 16. 

Tenuis \'an N'echten commissioned captain of Co. 15, Jan. 28. 

Four thousand citizens sign remonstrance against a bridge, Feb. 2. 
Rev. Thos. C. Pitkin formally installed at St. Peter's by Bishop 

Potter. Feb. 3. 

Richard .Merritield elected i)resi(lent of the Young Glen's Ass'n, 

Feb. 7. 
Albany Daily Argus and Albany Evening Atlas combined as Atlas 

and Argus, bv Comstock & Cassidv. Feb. 18. 



No. 45. 



WILLIAM PAR ME LEE. 



589 



1856. 



^'^ whn°'^"' ^V^"^:^^'^.' '^°'-" ■-' Dumblane, Scotland, i„ 1778 and 
who came to this city when seven years old, whe;e he enoa'ed 

eanal Lme of boats, thereby acquiring- a fortune, dies," 

Mayor ^^•IlHanIl.arIuelee. who was born at Lansingbur^.'J^t Z 
Aov. 28, 1807, the son of Elias Parmelee and Fanny Fitch "and 
mari-ied Helen, the dauo-hter of Dr. T. Ronievn Beck pri^fpa 
^Albany Academy; a lawyer by profession, ser^:^;>' " ^! 

a^^fo^ rih^- -' ^--^'-- ^- - ^~ 

March 15. 



( See Xo. 40. ) 



No. 4-6. 
April 18, 1848 — April 16, 1849. 



No. 46. 

JOIIX TAYLOR. 

Date of oflicc: April 18, 1848-April 16, 1849. 
Date of election: Ay,v'\\ 11, 1848. 
Politieal party: Wliig. 
l^ote: 3,120. 
Opponent: Thomas lluii. 
Political party: Democrat. 
J'ote: 2, 991, ])laiik and scatterings 4. 
Total vote: 6,1 15. 
Date of birtli: March 13. 1790. 
Place of birth: Chester, England. 
Parents: John ( T. ) and Phoebe Bnrnop. 
Education: Common school. 
Married to: (a) Mary Richmond, 
(b) Esther E. Wiltse. 
Date: (a) ]\lay 13, 1819. 
(b) ?\Iay 15, 1844. 
Children: ( a-5 ) Joseph P)nrnop, Anna Gascoigne (Gilbert). John 
Richmond, Edmund Briggs, William Henry, 
(b-i) Elizabeth Ellison. 
Residoice: Xo. 73 Lyrlins street (Madison avenue). 
Occjipatio)i : Brewer. 
Religion: Episcopalian. 
Date of death: September 13, 1863. 
Place of death: Xo. 2=^y State street. 
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 
Title: Honoraljle. 

Remarks: X'^oted for his charitw integrity, industry, and possessed 
finest private library. 




46. JOtlN TAYLOR. 
1848- 1849. 
From a photograph made from life by McDonnald & Sterry, and owned in 
1904 by his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth E. Taylor. 



No. 46. JOHN TAYLOR. 593 

1848. 

(Continued from No. 45.) 
1848. 



John Taylor is sworn in as the Mayor of Albany, having been 
elected at the Charter election held on April nth, when he 
received 3,120 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent, 
Thomas Hun, receiving 2,991 votes as the Democratic candi- 
date; blank and scattering, 4 votes; total, 6,115 votes; Taylor's 
majority over Hun being 129 votes, April 18. 

L. D. Holstein elected Clerk of the Board of Aldermen ; Hooper C. 
Van Vorst, City Attorney; Geo. W. Carpenter, Surveyor; 
Nelson W. Scovel, Marshal; John McBride, Overseer of Poor; 
Henry B. Fay, Aims-House Physician, April 18. 

Charter election, Mayor, John Taylor; Common Council: William 
L. Osborn, Lucien B. Laney, I. George B. Riggs, John W. 
Harcourt, H. Charles W. Godard, Stephen T. Thorn, HI. 
George T. Ladue, Abram Koonz, IV. Henry B. Bleecker, 
James McNaughton, V. John A. Livingston, Charles M. Jen- 
kins, VI. John Benson, William Gillespie, VII. Patrick M. 
McCall, John Plarrison, VIII. William Gumming, Richard H. 
Thompson, IX. Michael Artcher, Daniel E. Bassett, X. Elec- 
tion, April II; sworn in, April 18. 

Steamboat Armenia makes first appearance, leaving New York at 
7 a. m. and arriving at 4 o'clock, making usual landings, 

April 22. 

Two large fires, one bounded by Church, Westerlo, Dallius and 
John streets, destroying 20 buildings, loss $30,000; other start- 
ing at Green and Beaver, destroying 20 buildings, loss $60,000, 

April 24. 

Beth Jacob, Jewish synagogue, Fulton St., consecrated, April 28. 

Harmanus P. Schuyler's widow, Sarah, dies, April 30. 

Common Council offers reward of $100 for discovery of anyone 
setting any building in the city afire. May i. 

Steamboats Alida and Hendrik Hudson race from New York to 
Albany, both leaving at 7 a. m., the former arriving at 2 :55 
p. m., and the latter at 3:10 p. m., never more than a mile 
apart. May 5. 

Steam propeller named Albany, built in Philadelphia, passengers 
and freight, 140 feet long, 240 tons, arrives from Hartford, 

May 8. 

Severe frost, injuring buds. May 14. 



594 JOHN TAvr.oK. No. 46. 

^ 1848. 

r.oard of Trade starts operations in Rotunda of the Exchange, 

May 15. 

]()}• & Alonteath's office on the dock robbed of $800 in counterfeit 
money that had accumulated in business, May 20. 

Matthew Gregory, Revohitionary officer, merchant, age 91, (hes, 

June 4. 

Apphcation made to Albany County Court for incorporation of 
Cohoes village, (under Act of 1847) area, i34- sq. miles; pop- 
ulation, 4.200, Jime 5. 

I'oys fight with cobbles at a fire on Arbor Hill for lionor of drawing 
the hose-cart, June C. 

Edward C. Delavan's wife, Abliy AI., aged 47, dies, Jime 17. 

Datus E. Frost's provision store, I.ydius street (Madison ave. ) and 
Swan street afire and firemen fail to attend, engaging in a 
pitched battle because of rivalry, at State and Pearl streets, 
during whicli all the windows of the neighborhood are broken 
by missiles, June 22. 

l)ishop Hughes lays the corner-stone of the Cathedral of the Im- 
maculate Conception, • . July 2. 

Capt. Abraham Van O'Linda's remains arrive from -Mexico and are 
given military escort to the City Hall, July 4. 

Capt. A. A"an (_)"Linda buried, eulogy by Col. John Sharts, 

July 7. 

Workman killed working on foundation of new Cathedral, 

J"iy 7- 

Canal Bank closed by Comptroller, investigation ordered, July 1 1. 

Hon. Erastus Corning presides at the " Old " Capitol at an enthusi- 
astic meeting of the Friends of Ireland, July 13. 

Workmen numbering 300 engaged in erecting a new depot. 750 x 133 
feet, to accommodate the Boston trade, July 17. 

Rev. Benj. X. Martin installed at 4th Presbyterian Church, 

July 19. 

Ex-IVIayor l'>arent P. Staats presides at a meeting of the liarn- 
burners in the Capitol to aid nomination of Martin \ an I'urcn 
for President, July 19. 

Co. H, 1st Reg't N. Y. Volunteers under Capt. John G. Farnsworth, 
who succeeded the late Capt. Abraham A'an O" Linda, killed, 
arrive on the Hendrik Hudson on return from war in Mexico, 
only 45 of the 70 privates surviving, and are escorted by a 
dozen military bodies in a i)arade in which they are loudly 
cheered, July 25. 

District school children luunbering 2,000 hold anniversary exercises 
in Capitol ])ark and ])roceed to Kane's Walk, So. Pearl and 
VVesterlo sts. for an enjovable time, Julv 28. 




niMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL. 

Organized in 1847; corner-stone laid July 2, 1848; Patrick 
C. Keely, architect; dedicated November 21, 1852. 



No. 46. JOHN TAYLOR. 595 

1848. 

Middle Dutch Churcli (Second) operates its new organ, costing 
$4,000, and largest in the city, July 31. 

Mayor John Taylor presides at a meeting of the Friends of Ireland 
held in the "Old" Capitol, to advocate freedom, Julv 31. 

Dr. Jonathan Eights, a foremost physician of his day and who 
had practiced with eminent success for half a century, dies at 
his residence corner of No. Pearl and Columbia streets, aged 
75^ ^ _ Aug. 10. 

Dr. Morrell ascends in a balloon from jNIineral vSpring Garden on 
So. Ferry street and sails northward, Aug. 15. 

Thomas Alaher, 8 years old, drowned in the Foxen kill pond at the 
head of Canal street, being the sixth similar fatality there in 
past two years, Aug. 15. 

" The Great Fire " started by a washerwoman's bonnet at the Albion 
Hotel, corner of Broadway and Herkimer street, the flames 
spreading to the north by a strong south wind, sweeping both 
sides of Broadway and Church street, and crossing the water 
to the Pier, devastating everything to Maiden Lane and along 
Broadway to Hudson avenue ; but at night lessened by heavy 
rainfall ; 600 buildings burned, including the Eagle Tavern on 
Broadway ; loss $3,000.000 ; burnt area 37 acres ; greatest width 
being 700 feet west from the river on Herkimer st., and greatest 
length on one street being 1,600 feet along Quay St., Aug. 17. 

Jealous fire companies engage in riot at So. Pearl and State streets, 
and manv of the firemen are seriouslv injured, Aug. 19. 

Common Council ordains that no wooden building or one covered 
with wood be erected east of Lark street, and that cornices 
must be of metal or incombustible material, Aug. 21. 

James Hanley who was shot on the 19th at the riot among jealous 
fire companies at State and Pearl streets, dies, Aug. 26. 

Common Council determines to improve the grade of streets in the 
recently Inu'ued area, especially raising the level of Broadwav 
between Hamilton street and Lydius street (Madison ave. ) 
which was under water each spring, Aug. 28. 

Schuyler Steamboat Tow-line started. 

Col. Robert E. Temple returns from the Mexican war, Sept. i. 

Rev. Elias Vanderlip, patriach of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in this city, dies. Born at Carl's Neck, Staten Is., Feb. 10, 
1765, he came to Albany fatherless in 1796, and opened a 
shoe shop; ordained deacon in 1800 and elder in 1804, preach- 
ing here 1805 to 1836, wlien he rested from his labors because 
of his age, Sept. 3. 

Mulford & Wendell's jewelry store, Samuel Stevens' law library and 
Gavit's daguerreotype studio burned; loss $12,000, Sept. 9. 



59^ JOHN TAYLOR. No. 46. 

1848. 

New steam ferry, T. W. Olcott, put on for the Boston road, 

Sept. 12. 
Gen. John A. Dix nominated at Utica for governor by the Barn- 
stormer or Free vSoil party, Sept. 13. 
Common Council determines to extend the steamboat landing to 

Lydius street (Madison ave.), Sept. 18. 

City officers and Common Council call in a body upon General 

Worth, who is staying at Congress Hall, Sept. 19. 

New York city remits $12,035 to sufferers from the great fire that 

devastated the southeastern part of the city on the r7th of last 

month, Sept. 19. 

The new rails of the Mohawk & Hudson railroad being completed 

and the coaches fitted with india-rubber springs, the trip from 

Schenectady made in 24 minutes, a record for 42 miles per 

hour, Sept. 22. 

Rufus W. Peckham address the Old Hunkers at a ratification of 

Democratic nominations in the " Old " Capitol, Sept. 26. 

Anti-renters endorse nomination of John A. Dix for governor, 

Sept. 28. 
Common Council committee reports in favor of paying firemen $30 

per annum, and a fire chief, to devote his entire time to fire.^, 

$700 a year as salary, Oct. 2. 

Nicholas Van Schaack's widow, Jane, dies, Oct. 4. 

Rev. F. W. Ingmire installed at Pearl street Baptist church, Oct. 8. 
Steam propeller Hartford, to run in conjunction with the propeller 

Albany to Hartford, passengers and freight, first arrives, 

Oct. 14- 
Geo. C. Treadwell's fur shop and Clement Warren's saw-mill in 

Water street burn with a loss of $10,000, Oct. 15. 

Rev. John Bassett's widow, Ann (he was pastor of Ref'd Dutch 

Church) at Penn Yan, Pa., aged 86, Oct. 17. 

Under the new regime a train arrives from Buffalo, reducing the 

record from 24 to 17 hours, Oct. 23. 

Odd Fellows' Hall, s. w. corner Green and Beaver streets, dedicated 

with ceremonial, Oct. 26. 

William Annesley, aged 81, dies, Nov. 3. 

Rev. B. T. Welch of the ist Pres. Church, called to Pierrepont 

Street Church in Brooklyn, Nov. 5. 

Plan to supply the city with water at public expense receives 4,405 

votes in its favor and 6 against, Nov. 7. 

Major Lewis N. Morris' grave in Rural Cemetery marked with a 

monument, he having fallen at the Battle of Monterey, 

Nov. 21. 



No. 46. JOHN TAYLOR. 597 

1848-1849. 

Common Council passes law organizing the fire department, 

Nov. 27. 

Firemen hold an indignation meeting in the Capitol, being wrought 
up over the new fire department organization, Nov. 28. 

Teunis G. Visscher's widow, Alida, aged 82, dies, Dec. 5. 

New York's presidential electors meet at Capitol and cast unani- 
mous vote for Gen. Zachary Taylor for President, Dec. 6. 

River traffic competition causes reduction of fare to New York to 
50 cents by the opposing steamboats, Isaac Newton and Rip 
Van Winkle, Dec. 7. 

Death in the Capitol of Dr. John H. Douglass of Troy, who was 
there on business, Dec. 9. 

Charles R. Webster's widow, Cynthia (he a foremost publisher and 
bookseller at n. w. corner of State and Pearl streets) at Albion, 
N. Y., aged 78, Dec. 22. 

Rail communication established with New York, the Housatonic 
railroad opened, promising its passengers to get them through 
by daylight, or 8 hours from Albany to New York city, 

Dec. 25. 

Rev. Rutger Van Brunt installed at Third Ref'd Dutch Church, 

Dec. 27. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 28. 

Jane Ann Boyd, daughter of the late Peter Boyd, dies, Dec. 29. 

General Wool, of Mexican war fame, presented with a sword cost- 
ing $1,700, the gift of the State, Gov. John Young making the 
presentation in the Capitol, Dec. 30. 

Trinity Church, Franklin and Herkimer streets, first used by the 
South Baptist Society, its purchaser, Dec. 31. 

Commitments to penitentiary during year, 363; jail, 1,961, 

Dec. 31. 



1849. 



Hamilton Fish inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. i. 

Governor Fish's message transmitted during delivery very success- 
fully by the new invention called the telegraph, one wire con- 
veying it to New York city, and another to western part of the 
State, Jan. 2. 

Petition to Legislature for power to remove Hallenbake Cemetery 
from the vicinity of So. Pearl and Hamilton streets, Jan. 5. 

City real estate valuation, $8,209,957; personal $2,729,881: total, 
$10,939,838, Jan. I. 



59^ JOHN TAYLOR. No. 46. 

1849. 

Rev. Orville Dewey engaged by Unitarian Society, Jan. 7. 

St. \ incent's Orplian Asylnm fair by Sisters of Charity nets tb.c 
handsome sum of $3,144.64, Jan. 11. 

All)any California Company, gold-seekers, afterwards known as the 
Albany " Forty-niners," sail from New York in the Tarolinta. 

Jan. 13. 

Hon. Daniel D. Barnard delivers address on the late Alayor Am- 
brose Spencer (Chief Justice) at the City Hall, Jan. 15. 

Trinity Episcopal Churcli on Uroad street (later Trinitv Place) 
first used for service, and consecrated, Jan. 21. 

John IJattersby establishes a meat market (which existed until 
closed in 1905 at n. w. corner of Clinton ave. and No. Pearl 
St.), January. 

Rapid travel from Albany to New York, accomplishing the trip by 
the Housatonic road in 9 hours, leaving New York at 8 a. m., 
and arriving here at 5 p. m.. Jan. 2=^. 

At caucus in Assemblv Chamlier Hon. William H. Seward is nomi- 
nated for U. S. Senator in place of John A. Dix, Feb. i. 

Ship Robert Browne sails with 20 prospective gold-miners of 
Albau}', from New York, around tlie " Horn " to California, 

Feb. 6. 

Medical library of late Dr. Jonathan Eights sold, Feb. 7. 

Announcement made by the governor to the Legislature of a gift 
of many engravings by the best masters from Pope Gregory, in 
return for a Natural Historv of the State sent to him, Feb. 13. 

Pair of oxen from Wvoming countv weighing 5,000 lbs. shown, 

Feb. 15. 

Tlu-rmometer 11 degrees below zero, Feb. 16. 

Hog weighing 049 lbs. (dressed) shown b\- Jennings, Careen street, 

I-eb. 24. 

Duff's Broadway House, Broadway, near the old depot, where 
many famous men had stopped, totally destroyed by tire, 

Feb. 25. 

Mrs. Leslie, residing corner of I^umber (Livingston ave.) and 
Water streets, gives birth to four children, March 3. 

President Zacharv Tavlor's message received l)y telegrai)h, which 
is considered a great feat, ^larch 5. 

River open, steamboat Columbia arriving through floating ice, 

March 17. 

Slooj) Miriam, under Captain Johnson (colored) makes a record 
tri]) from New York, covering fully 150 miles in 17 hours, 

March 21. 

Bill to establish a hospital here passes the Assembly, March 26. 



No. 46. JOHN TAYLOR. 599 

1849. 

Jonathan Kidney, Revolutionary soldier, who prevented firing of 
cannon into a procession in lower part of city because of a 
difference regarding- ratifying the Constitution, 1788, dies, 

March 28. 

First machine " for sewing and stitching " exhibited at the Man- 
sion House, Broadway, above State street, and causes wonder- 
ment, March 31. 

Common Council appropriates $100 for alarm-bell. Little Basin, 

April 4. 

Wives of boatmen present an extraordinarily elaborate quilt of their 
handiwork to Rev. John Miles, pastor of Sailors' Bethel, 

April 5. 

Legislature given a banquet at Congress Hall bv the city. April 7. 

Geo. W. Stanton, president of Exchange JJank, aged 60, dies, 

April 8. 

Rensselaer \'an Schellu}'ne, leaving a brother as the last of a line of 
men distinguislied in city management, dies, April 8. 

Charter election, at which Friend Humphrey is elected Mayor, re- 
ceiving 3.142 votes a.s the Whig candidate ; Thomas LIun. ^l. D., 
receiving 2,925 votes as the Democratic candidate ; total, 6,072 
votes; Humphrey's majority being 217 votes he is declared 
elected INIayor, April 10. 

• • • 

(See No. 43.) 



No. 47. 



April 16. 1850 — April 14, 1851 



No. 47. 
FRANKLIX TO\\XSEXD. 

Date of office: April 16. 1850-April 14, 185 1. 

Date cf election: April 9, 1850. 

Political party: Whig. 

Vote: 2i-22(). 

Opponent: Eli Perry. 

Political party: ]3emocrat. 

Vote: 3.217, blank and scattering 10. 

Total vote: 6,456. 

Date of birth: September 28, 1821. 

Place of birth: Xo. 146 State street. 

Parents: Isaiah (T.) and Hannah Townsend. 

Edncation: Albany Boys' Academ}-. 

Married to: Anna Josephine King. 

Date: January 15, 1852. 

Children: (2) Riifus King. iM-anklin. 

Residence: No. 144 State street. 

Occupation: Iron founder and banker. 

Religion: Presbyterian. 

Date of death: September 11, 1898. 

Place of death: Xo. 4 Elk street. 

Place of btirial: Albany Rin-al Cemetery. 

Title: General. 

Remarks: Adjutant-General. January i, 1869-January i, 1873: 
lanuary i, 1875-April 7, 1879. Alderman. Assembly. Su- 
pervisor. President N'ew York State X^ational Bank. Vice- 
President Albany Savings Bank. 




47. FRANKLIN TOWNSEND. 
1850-1851. 
From a photograph made from life by Pirie Macdonald. and owned in 1904 
b}- his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Franklin Townsend. 



No. 47- FRANKLIN TOWNSEND. 



603 



1850. 



(Continued from No. 43.) 
1850. 



Gen. Franklin Townsend assumes the office of Mayor, having- been 
elected at the Charter election held on April 9th,' when he re- 
ceived 3,229 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent, Eli 
Perry, the Democratic candidate, receiving 3,217 votes, blank 
and scattering 10 votes; total votes cast, 6,456; Frankhn 
Townsend's majority over Eli Perry, 12 votes, April 16. 

Charter election. Mayor, Franklin Townsend; Common Council: 
William L. Osborn, Bernard Lynch, I. Edward Satterlee, 
Joseph Courtney, II. Garret V. S. Bleecker, Levi Phillips, IIL 
John D. Hewson, Alden March, IV. Henrv Bleecker, Visscher 
Ten Eyck, V. James A. Wilson, George Dexter, VI. Henry 
B. Hewitt, Joseph Clinton, VII. Chauncey Pratt Williams, 
William B. Scott, VIII. William Gumming, Richard J. Grant! 
IX. George M. Sayles, Daniel E. Bassett, X. Election, April 
9; sworn in, April 16. 

American Express Co. formed by consolidation of the several 
small companies doing an express business at this city. 

Division street the southern end of So. Pearl street now. 

Albany. Bennington & Rutland Railroad Company organized, elect- 
ing following directors, all Albanians: Marcus T. Reynolds, 
John Tayler Cooper, Samuel Pruyn, Charles Van Benthuysen' 
Frankhn Townsend, James Kidd, Wm. W. Forsyth, James A.' 
Wilson, John B. James, Wm. V. Many and John L. School- 

^.^^^*' April 25. 

OReilly telegraph poles, surmounted by gilded eagles erected 

through the city, Xpril 26, 

Rev. M. Van Waggoner preaches farewell at Universalist Church, 

Lydia Colhns, wife of Eli Perry (48th mayor), dies, April 28. 

Marcus^ T. Reynolds elected president of the Albany & Rutland 
Railroad Company at a meeting of directors, April 30. 

Van Rensselaer island, just south of the city, under water for the 
eighth time this spring and greatly damaged, April 30. 

Recently appointed water commissioners meet to consider an in- 
creased supply, and name Wm. J. McAlpin to study various 
projects, Mav i. 

Ex-Mayor B. P. Staats presides at a meeting in " Old " Capitol at 
which flogging in the navy is condemned. May 6. 

Omnibus line starts running from North to South ferry. May 6. 

Holy Cross (German R. C.) Church corner-stone laid, s.'w. corner 



604 FRAXKLIN* TOWXSRND. No. 47. 

1850. 

Hamilton and Phili]) streets, by IJishop McCloskey, Western 
New York, May 12. 

Albany City Savings Institution, recentl)- chartered, opens, May 22. 

Homeopathic Aledical Society of the State of New York formed. 

Journeymen Printers' L'nion meets at Clinton hotel on So. Pearl 
street and elects Giles K. Winne president, June i. 

Steamboat Kosciusko leaves for New York, charging only 6j4 
cents for passage, June 12. 

O'Reilly telegraph line connected with New York, June 25. 

Horticultural exhibit at Geological Hall shows 50 varieties of 
straw1)erries, June 26. 

Independence Day celebrated with processions, William Barnes de- 
livering the oration and Walter R. Cush reading the Declara- 
tion, July 4. 

Grace (Episcopal) Church corner*-stone laid, corner of Washington 
avenue and Lark street, by Bishop Whittingham, July 8. 

Gen. Zachary Taylor's death on July ()th announced in this city 
(born in Orange county, Va., Sept. 24, 1784, 12th President, 
inaugurated on March 4, 1849), July 10. 

City draped in mourning, all stores closed, in honor of the funeral 
of President Zachary Taylor at Washington. July 14. 

Funeral procession in this city honoring memory of the late Presi- 
dent Zachary Taylor, July 17. 

Anshe Emeth synagogue organized by Rabbi Isaac \\"ise. South 
Pearl and Herkimer streets. 

Albany Burgesses' Corps returns from an excursion, started nn the 
5th, to New York, Providence and Boston, and l3an(|uet at 
John McCardel's refectory on Beaver street, Aug. 10. 

City Water Commission purchases Patroon's creek, with sufficient 
land, for $150,000, including water leases, which paid about 
$8,000 annually, Aug. 23. 

Thomas W'. Olcott's wife, Lucia JNIarvin, aged 2^, dies, Aug. 25. 

City decides to adopt gas instead of oil, Sept. 2. 

Home for the Friendless established by Mrs. Lee. 

Holy Innocents' Church consecrated by Bishop Whittingham, 

Sejit. 3. 

Frederika IJremer. Swedish authoress, comes to the city, Sept. 3. 

New York State Fair held at Albany for the second time, the tenth 
annual exhibition, Ezra P. Prentice of this city, president, at 
the Bull's Head on the Troy road. Sept. 4. 

Hon. Daniel D. Barnard a])i)ointed L^. S. ^Minister to Berlin, 

Sept. 5. 

State i-air closed, having sold 40,000 admissions, 6,000 vehicles 
there, net income $10,465.10, Sept. 7. 



No. 47- FRANKLIN TOWNSEND. 605 

1850. 

Water commissioners award work on projected waterworks sys- 
tem at West Albany amounting to about $600,000, Sept. 17. 

Sanders Lansing prominent in Revolutionarv sceiies, and a brother 
of Chancellor John Lansing, county judge and register of the 
court of chancery, dies at Manheim. aged 85, Sept. ig. 

James Kidd appointed postmaster to succeed Lewis Benedict, 

Sept. 28. 

Contract closed for construction of the Albany & Rutland railroad, 
conditioned on the work being completed in one year, Oct. i. 

Steamboat Reindeer built by Thomas Collyer, 260 feet long, 34 
feet broad, 9 feet deep, 56 x 144 in. engine. 

State Library building being erected on north side of State street, 
opposite High street. 

Colored citizens meet in the City Hall to discuss the " fugitive 
slave " law, Oct. 3. 

Eagle Tavern site built upon by Air. Delavan, for stores, east side 
of Broadway, from Llamilton street southward, Oct. 8. 

Benjamin R. Spelman elected captain of the Burgesses, Oct. 8. 

East Albany freight traffic increased to 250 cars loaded daily, 

Oct. 12. 

Matthew Trotter, after whom Trotter's Alley named (Broadway 
to the river, south of Hudson avenue) dies at sea returning 
from France, Oct. 17. 

Greenbush horse-boat, in tow of ferry, sinks, and four horses are 
drowned, Oct. 29. 

House's Telegraph Line, the third, begins working, Oct. 31. 

Albany & Mohawk plank road completion celebrated, Nov. 9. 

James H. Armsby, jNF. D., elected president Albany County Medical 
Society. Nov. 14. 

Hon. Erastus Corning, first president of the Utica & Schenectady 
Railroad Co., voted a silver service, having long given freely 
his valuable services, Nov. 19. 

Scho-negh-ta-da Lodge, No. 87, L O. O. F., instituted, Dec. i. 

Mount Carmel Lodge, No. j(), \. O. O. F., instituted, Dec. i. 

New York State Bank's building, on reorganizing under new 
charter to be issued in January, sold at auction for $19,000, 

Dec. 4. 

Thornas McCredie's wife, Helen, daughter of Robert Dunlop, dies, 

Dec. 6. 

Reuben Dunbar, having been on trial for two weeks, is convicted 
of the mysterious and brutal murder of two Lester boys in 
the woods at Westerlo, on Sept. 28th, Dec. 10. 

Rev. Ray Palmer installed pastor First Congregational Church, 

Dec. 10. 



6o6 FRANKLIN TOWNSEND. No. 47. 

1850-1851. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 17. 

New York State Bank's original charter expires, t)ec. 31. 

riiermometer 15 degrees below zero, Dec. 31. 



1851. 



Washington Hunt inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. i. 

New York State Bank, with new charter, reorganizes with capital 
of $350,000, as the New York State National Bank, Jan. i. 

Cathedral of Immaculate Conception fair, to aid building fund, 
nets $7,600, closed, Jan. 4. 

First Baptist Church holds last service at its Green street building, 
which it sells to the People's Church, newly organized under 
Rev. Geo. Montgomery West, Jan. 5. 

Reuben Dunbar, for killing the two Lester boys in the Westerlo 
woods on Sept. 28th, is executed in the jail, Jan. 31. 

Dr. James P. Boyd's residence, n. e. corner of Hudson avenue and 
Grand street, burned with loss of $6,000, Jan. 31. 

Several railroad lines extending across the State combine as the 
New York Central road. 

Albany Weekly Express appears, issued by Stone & Henly, Feb. i. 

Freshet carries away 200 feet of the Government embankment ex- 
tending to the island opposite North Albany from mainland, 

Feb. 12. 

Albany & Northern Railroad Co. incorporated for purpose of con- 
structing a road to Eagle Bridge, Feb. 20. 

William Allen, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 94, dies, Feb. 23. 

River open to navigation, Oregon arriving, Feb. 25. 

John C. Feltman, born at Osnaburgh, Hanover, Germany, Oct. 8, 
1775, and emigrated here in 1806, a prominent citizen, dies, 

March i. 

Common Council decides to increase the Mayor's salary to $1,000, 
beginning with the next incumbent, Feb. 3. 

Anti-renters convene at Beardsley's hotel to revive party. 

March 19. 

Regular police department established by Laws of 1851. 

City divided into four police precincts. 

Eli Perry elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election, receiv- 
ing 3,542 votes as the Democratic candidate ; Franklin Town- 
send receiving 3,176 votes as the Whig candidate; blank and 
scattering, 14 votes ; total votes cast, 6,732 ; Perry's majority 
over F. Townsend, 366 votes, and Eli Perry is declared mayor- 
elect, April 8. 



No. 48. 



April 15, 1851— Jan. 12, 1852. 
Jan. 13, 1852— Jan. 9, 1854. 

May 6, 1856 -May 3, 1858. 
May 4, 1858 — April 30. 18e>0. 

May 6, 1862 — May 2, 1864. 
May 3, 1864— April 30. 1866 



No. 48. 
ELI PERRY. 

Date of office: (a) April 15, 1851-Januarv 12, 1852. 

(b) JaniiarA' 13, 1852-Januarv 9, 1854. 

(c) May 6,' 1856-May 3. 1858. 

(d) May 4, 1858-April 30, i860. 

(e) May 6, 1862-May 2, 1864. 

(f) May 3. 1864-April 30. 1866. 
Date of election: (a) April 8, 1851. 

(b) November 4, 1851. 

(c) April 8, 1856. 

(d) April 13, 1858. 

(e) April 8, 1862. 

(f) April 12, 1864. 
Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: (a) 3,542. 

(b) 4,022. 

(c) 2.990. 

(d) 4,702. 

(e) 5A35- 

(f) 5.375- 

Opponent: (a) Franklin Townsend. 

(b) Thomas McMullen. 

(c) John \'. P. Quackenbush, ( cc ) X'isscher Ten Eyck. 

(d) Dr. John Quackenbush. 

(e) George W. Luther. 

(f) Gen. John F. Rathbone. 
Political Party: (a) Whig. 

(b) Whig. 

(c) Republican. 

(d) Republican. 

(e) Republican. 
( f ) Republican. 

Vote: (a) 3,176, blank and scattering 14. 

(b) 3,050, blank and scattering 22. 

(c) 2,1^2, (cc) 1,100, blank and scattering 14. 

(d) 4,601, blank and scattering 26. 

(e) 3,146, blank and scattering 40. 

(f ) 3,462. blank and scattering 42. 



Total rote: (a) 6,732. 

(b) 7,094. 

(c) 6,276. 

(d) 9'329- 

(e) 8,821. 

(f) 8,879. 

Date of birth: December 25, 1799. 
Place of birth: Washing-ton county, N. Y. 
Parents: John (P.) and Jeannie Searles. 
Ediieatioii: Country schools. 
Married to: (a) Ehzabeth Clark. 

(b) Lydia Collins. 

(c) Matilda Caroline Todd. 
Date: (a) 

(b) 

(c) New York, June 22, 1853. 

Cliildren: (a-4) Oliver Hazard, (3 dau. d. v.). 
(b-i d. y.) 
(c) None. 

Residence: No. 85 Washint^ton avenue. 

Occupation: Live stock and provisions. 

Religion: Baptist. 

Date of death: May 17, 1881. 

Place of death: No. 85 Washington avenue. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Alderman, April 2, 1845. Assembly (fourth district) 
1850-51. Contracted to supply provisions in Civil War and 
fulfilled, althoug^h he lost his fortune in so doing, by raise in 
prices. Offered Congress Park for State Capitol site, Febru- 
ary 23, 1865. Livingston avenue railroad bridge opened Feb- 
ruary 22, 1866: 21 piers, 4,253 feet. Secured $350,000 for 
new Federal building, February 13. 1872. Congressman, 
1870-72. Presidential elector, 1876. School Commissioner. 
President Board of Trustees Pearl Street Baptist Church. 
Member of blasters Lodge, No. 5, F. and A. M. ; Temple 
Commandery, No. 5, R. A. M. ; Albany Burgesses Corps ; 
life member of Albany Jackson Corps. Organized personally 
43d Regiment. Organized Albany Orphan Asylum. School 
No. 13 completed 1859. built in 1779, State Arsenal until 1859. 




48. ELI PERRY. 
1S51-54; 1856-60; 1862-66. 
From an oil painting made from life and owned' in 1904 by The Albany 
Institute. 



No. 48. ELI PERRY. 611 

1851. 

(Continued from No. 47.) 
1851. 



Eli Perry sworn as the Mayor of Albany, havint;- been chosen at 
the Charter election held on April 8th, when he received 3,542 
votes as the Democratic candidate ; his opponent. Gen. Frank- 
lin Townsend, receiving 3,176 votes as the Whig candidate; 
blank and scattering, 14 votes ; total number of votes cast. 
6,732 ; Perry's majority over Townsend being 366 votes he was 
declared chosen mayor of Albany, April 15. 

Charter election, Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : Bernard 
Lynch, Thomas Leonard, L Joseph Courtney, William P. Mal- 
burn, IL Levi Phillips, Garret \\ S. Bleecker, IIP Alden 
March, Jacob Hendrickson, lY. \'isscher Ten Eyck, Alfred 
Van Santvoord, \'. Oorge Dexter, William Eggleston, VL 
Joseph Clinton, John J. Jarvis, ATI. William B. Scott, Elias 
Vanderlip, VTIL Richard J. Grant, James D. Wasson, IN. 
Daniel E. Bassett, George M. Sayles, N. Election, April 8; 
sworn in, April 15. 

Twelve Democratic senators resign refusing to sanction the bor- 
rowing of $9,000,000 for enlargement of the Erie canal, and 
Legislature adjourns, April 17. 

Large Democratic meeting in the Capitol because of the Erie canal 
discussion and sudden adjournment of the Legislature, 

April 18. 

Albany & Susquehanna railroad incorporated, April 19. 

Water mains in the city at this time measure 29 8/10 miles, 

April 20. 

Albany Law School organized. Chief Justice Greene C. Bronson, 
Pres't, April 21. 

Great meeting of Whigs in the Capitol to denounce action of the 
Democrats in attacking the constitutionality of law planning 
enlargement of the Erie canal, April 23. 

Bleecker reservoir, west of Ontario street, being constructed, 

April 25. 

Frederick W. Ridgway, prominent citizen, aged 34, dies. May 2. 

Thomas Hurst falls from railroad bridge over Patroon's creek, 
aged 55, and dies. May 3. 

Steamboat New World, trip in 7 hrs., 43 mins., commissioned. 

May. 



6l2 ELI PERRY. . No. 48. 

1851, 

President Millard Mllmore arrives at 3 p. m. from the West and 
is taken about the city, escorted by military bodies, amid great 
enthusiasm, and is escorted to the night boat at 7 p. m., 

May 22 

Steamboat Reindeer makes record trip in 7 hrs. 44 mins., ^lay 31 

N. Y. Central railroad leases Troy & Greenbush railroad, J'-ine i 

Weekly Knickerbocker commenced by Hugh J. Hastings, June 8 

Legislature meets in extra session, June 10 

Patroon's creek being dammed six miles west of the city to form 
Rensselaer lake, also known as the Tivoli lakes, the Upper 
and Lower, covering an area of 40 acres, capacity of 200,000 
gallons, William J. Mc Alpine, engineer, J«ne 15. 

Legislature passes a bill for the erection of a fireproof building on 
State street, opposite High street, west of the Capitol, 

June 18. 

Strike of laborers at work on constructing waterworks, contractors 
agreeing to pay 87^2 cents for 10 hours, or $1 for 12 hours, 

June 2}^. 

Demolition of No. Pearl street ]\Iethodist Church, originally a 
circus, begun, June 24. 

Independence Day celebrated, oration by S. H. Hammond, Dudley 
Farlin the reader, and poem by William H. Green, July 4. 

Jenny Lind gives her first vocal concert here as the greatest living 
singer, at Third Presbyterian Church, July y. 

Ojibway Indians make encampment on shore across river, 

July 10. 

Legislative extra session adjourns. July 11. 

Jenny Lind gives second concert in Third Presbyterian Church. 

July II. 

Albany Plospital board of governors organizes, choosing John C. 
Spencer president, and naming a committee to procure build- 
ing, July 14. 

Albany Academy students present Rev. Dr. William H. Campbell, 
principal, on retiring, with a gold watch ; George H. Cook- 
elected (4th) principal in his stead, July 15. 

Steamboat Trojan, own.ed here, burns at New York city dock, 

Aug. 7. 

Jennv Lind arrives on steamboat Reindeer and takes rooms at 
Congress Hall, Aug 8. 

American Association for Advancement of Science meets in hall 
of Albany Institute in the Albany Academy, ^ug. 18. 

Ground broken for State Lil)rary building, rear of Capitol, Aug. 24. 





STATE LIBRARY OF 1851. 

Established by Act of Apr. 21, 1818, and opened in old Capitol (1808), John 
Cook, Librarian, in July ; bill for a building passed June 18, 1851 ; ground broken, 
Aug. 24, 1851 ; erected on north side State St., adjoining rear of old Capitol, two 
stories, 45 x 114 ft., of brownstone ; removal authorized July 19, 1883, and books 
placed in new Capitol in September, occupying western end 25 years. 



No. 48. ELI PERRY. 613 

1851. 

Excavating- for water-pipes at foot of State street, two graves of 
the old Dutch Church opened and bodies exhumed, Aug. 28. 

Albany Daily Eagle first issued by John Sharts, editor, Sept. i. 

Central railroad starts excavations for Maiden Lane bridge, 

Sept. 9. 

Father Matthew, Apostle of Temperance, arrives from Utica, 

Sept. 12. 

Jews having inirchased the So. Pearl Street P.aptist Church, at the 
head of Herkimer street. Rev. Mr. Howard preaches parting 
sermon, Sept. 28. 

Bishop McCloskey of tlie Roman Catholic diocese. preacUes parting 
sermon, receives a gift of $1,500 and leaves for Europe, 

Sept. 29. 

First train on the Hudson River railroad arrives from New York, 

Oct. I. 

Jews consecrate the former So. Pearl Street Baptist Church at the 
head of Herkimer street as the Anshe Emeth Svnagogue. 

Oct. 3. 

Mrs. Blandina increases contribution to erect the Dudley Observ- 
atory to $13,000 and Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer donates 
the hill at North Albany, to the west of his Manor House estate, 

October. 

Great celebration of Hudson River railroad, 1,100 sitting down 
to dinner here, a train coming from New York on the new 
road in 3 124 hours running time, Oct. 8. 

City Temperance Society organized, Hon. Bradford R. Wood, presi- 
dent, ' ' Oct. 14. 

Water let in the new aqueduct at Rensselaer lake at 9:19 a. m., 
reaching the weir at head of Washington street at 11 :3i a. m., 

Oct. 24. 

Methodists occupy building erected on site of the old circus on No. 
Pearl street, near Clinton avenue, Oct. 26. 

Albany City Hospital dedicated at the corner of Dove street and 
Lydius street. (Madison avenue) addresses by President John 
C. Spencer of the board of governors, followed by remarks by 
Rev. Dr. Potter and prayer by Rev. Dr. Pohlman, Nov. i. 

William J. McAlpine of this city elected State engineer and sur- 
veyor, Nov. 4. 

Eli Perry re-elected the Mayor of Albany at the Charter election, 
receiving 4,022 votes as the Democratic candidate ; his op- 
ponent, Thomas McMullen, receiving 3,050 votes as the Whig 
candidate; blank and scattering. 22 votes; total number of 
votes cast, 7,094; Perry's majority over McMullen being 972 
votes he is declared elected IMayor of Albany, Nov. 4. 



6 14 ELI PERRY. No. 48. 

1851-1852. 

Holy Cross Church, organized by German Cathohcs, dedicated at 

the s. w. corner of Hamilton and Philip streets, by Very Rev. 

. John Conroy, cost, $9,000, Nov. 23. 

Young- Men's Association enters new rooms in the recently erected 

Commercial Bank building- on south side of State street, 

Dec. 10. 
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 14. 

Robert Dunlop, eminent merchant of this city who had acquired a 

fortune, dies at his home in Watervliet, aged 75 years, having 

come here from Scotland in 1806, Dec. 15. 

Law Department of the University of Albany opens, Ji-iclg-e Amasa 

J. Parker delivering a course of lectures in the Y. M. A. 

rooms in the new Commercial Bank building, Dec. 17. 

William L. Marcy presides at a meeting in the Capitol before the 

friends of Louis Kossuth and Hungarian freedom, Dec. 19. 
Margaret Whetten widow of the late Captain Stewart Dean, the 

navigator of this city after whom the street was named, aged 

95 years, dies in New York city, Dec. 21. 

Canal commissioners award large contracts for enlarging the Erie 

canal, Dec. 30. 



1852. 



Rain causing high water, the ice sweeps down, bearing past the 
city a canal-boat with woman and child aboard, who cannot 
be rescued because of the swift current and water filled with 
huge cakes of ice; but at Castleton they are rescued, Jan. i. 

Rev. W. W. Moore begins pastorate of South Baptist Church, 
corner of Herkimer and Franklin streets, Jan. 4. 

The fair held for the benefit of the new Orphan Asylum at Bleecker 
Hall, No. 527 Broadway, nets v$3,249, Jan. 7. 

New North Methodist Church, erected on site of the old No. Pearl 
street circus, dedicated. Jan. it. 

• • * 

Hon. Eli Perry is sworn a second time as the Mayor of Albany, 
at his home because of sickness, having been chosen at the 
Charter election held on Nov. 4, 185 1, when his majority as 
the Democratic candidate, over Thomas McMullen, the Whig 
candidate was 972 votes, Jan. 12. 

Charter election. Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : Thomas 
Leonard, John McEvoy, L Wiilliam P. Malburn, Richard 
Godley, IL Garret V. S. Bleecker, John A. Sickles, HL Jacob 
Hendrickson. Charles Gay, IV. Alfred Van Santvoord, 



N0..48. ELI PERRY. 615 

1852. 

Visscher Ten Eyck, V. William Eggleston, George Dexter, 
VI. John J. Jarvis. Thomas Higgins, MI. Elias Vanderlip, 
Richard Stafford, VIII. James D. Wasson, Thomas W. Valen- 
tine, IX. George M. Sayles, Philip Fredcnrich, X. Election, 
Nov. 4, 1851 ; sworn in. Jan. 13. 

The first train on the Harlem Railroad, invited guests aboard, comes 
through to Albany and all dine at Congress Hall, Jan. 19. 

The Police Department succeeds the constabulary system. 
Third Police Precinct occupying building on Jackson street. 

Fourth Police Precinct station located n. w. Lancaster and Dove. 

Enormous procession of Temperance societies marches to the Cap- 
itol, but not all can be accommodated and some proceed else- 
where, Jan. 28. 

John Gott, born in \'ermont in 1786, removed to this city in 1799, 
and engaged in tobacco business, described as " a fine old gentle- 
man," aged 68 years, dies, Feb. 2. 

Sylvanus J. Penniman, coming here from Lansingburg in 1823 
and opening the drug house that was bought out by J. and 
Archibald JMcClure in 1832, which firm continued it under 
similiar name (McClure & Co.) for half a century, aged 71 
dies, Feb. 7 

William Gould's ( law-book seller) wife, i\Iary, aged 75 years, dies 

Feb. 7 

A posse of 22 policemen visit the scene of the anti-renters in the 
Helderbergs. where Mr. Fish had been tarred and feathered, 
returning with two prisoners, after being attacked with weap- 
ons, Feb. 23. 

The Bethlehem Washington Guards, attacked while on parade by a 
mob of young rufifians, necessitating the visit of police, 

March 6. 

Albany City Hospital's board of governors purchase the old jail at 
s. e. corner of Eagle and Ploward streets for purpose of con- 
verting it into a hospital, ' March 20 

River open to navigation, official record, March 28 

Hugh Denniston, prominent citizen, dies aged 57 years, March 30 

Legislature adjourns after a session continuing through 24 hours 

April 13 

After a session of 102 days the Legislature adjourns, April 17 

Foundations of the First Baptist Church, (Hudson ave., Philip and 
Plain streets) commenced, April 20. 

Mount Moriah Lodge (Ancient City) No. 143, instituted. 

Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, a distinguished fighter and leader 
at the battle of Queenstown on Oct. 13, 1812, congressman, 



6l6 ELI PERRY. No. 48. 

1852. 

son of Gen. Henry K. A'an Rensselaer, (b. Greenbush, in the 
old Cienet ?kIansion) aged ']'], dies at his Cherry Hill mansion 
south of the city, April 23. 

Funeral of Gen. .Solomon Van Rensselaer attended by military 
honors, April 26. 

Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian exile of note, arrives by eastern 
train, is received by military bodies and escorted to Congress 
Hall (hotel) where he is addressed by Gov. Washington Hunt, 

May 18. 

Louis Kossuth makes an address at Third Presbyterian Church, 

May. 20. 

Kossuth leaves by railroad for Niagara, having received a fund of 
$2,000 here to aid the Hungarians. ]\Iay 21. 

Lots sold north of AJadison avenue for opening Steamboat Square, 

May 27. 

IMeeting of the trustees of the proposed Dudley Observatory, 
Thomas W. Olcott chosen president, plans of Mr. Downing 
examined and a building committee named. May 28. 

Louis Kossuth, on second visit to the city, addresses a large audi- 
ence at Association Hall, stating that he was through traveling 
in this country, Rabbi Wise opening the exercises. June 5. 

Kossuth departs for New York aboard steamboat Alida, June 7. 

New express train starts running to Buffalo, making the trip in the 
fast time of 14 hours, June 14. 

New Steamboat, Francis Skiddy, built by George Collyer, 1,235 
tons, 322 feet long, 38 feet broad, 11 feet deep, 71 x 168 in. 
engine, arrives for first time, making trip in 7 hrs., 24 minutes, 
record, June 21. 

Nail works of Erastus Corning, below Troy, burn with a loss of 
$50,000, June 27. 

The Freie Blaetter, a German newspaper, Aug. Miggael editor, 
No. 44 Beaver street, established. 

New steamboat Francis Skiddy makes record trip from New York, 
6 hrs., 55i/> mins., deducting landings, June 30. 

James Stevenson, former mayor, lawyer, estimable citizen and ever 
working assiduously to advance the city's interests, a member 
of a number of large business interests, aged 65 years, dies, 

July 3- 
Independence Day celebrated, J. L Werner the orator, July 4. 

Remains of Hon. Henry Clay arrive at night and are escorted by 

a torchlight procession to the City Hall by military companies, 

July 5. 

Green Street theatre opened after being used by the Baptists as a 
church for 40 years, July 5. 



No. 4^. ELI PERRY. 617 

1852. 

Remains of Henry Clay escorted to the railroad station by the 

Ihirgesses' corps, who accompany them to Syracnse, July 6. 
A. AlcClure's large paint and drug-store on State street consumed 

by fire resulting from alcohol, July 23. 

Steamboat Henry Clay burned on its way to New York and nearly 

one hundred lives lost, July 28. 

New York & Erie railroad completed. 
First public procession of the Turn-Verein and Sing-Verein, 

Aug. 16. 
Ferry-boat capsizes and 20 of 25 passengers drown, Aug. 22. 

Steamboat Reindeer bursts a flue at Bristol (40 miles south of this 

city) and seven persons are killed, Sept. 4. 

City authorities take possession of the South Ferry, Sept. 7. 

Copper kettle of Taylor & Son's brewery, containing 200 barrels of 

beer, falls, doing great damage, Sept. 10. 

Akin & Schuyler take ferry rights, paying city $2,200 annually, 

Sept. 29. 
Steamboat Mary Powell first in commission. 
Sacred Heart convent or academy opened in Westerlo building on 

So. Pearl street, with 30 scholars. 
Normal School elects Samuel B. Woolworth its (3rd) principal, 

succeeding George R. Perkins who came into that office in 1848. 
Gen. Winfield Scott arrives here and is escorted to the Capitol by 

military bodies, where he is addressed by Judge John C. 

Spencer, Oct. 16. 

General Scott departs for New York, Oct. 18. 

Gen. Chauncey Humphrev, former prominent citizen, dies at 

Aliddlebury, Vt., ' Oct. 18. 

Albany City Volunteers organize, John Arts captain, Oct. 21. 

Citizens assemble at the City Hall to express resolutions on the 

death of Daniel Webster, Oct. 26. 

On Mayor Perry's recommendation, citizens close all places of 

business out of respect to Daniel Webster, at noon, during 

his funeral at Marshfield, Oct. 29. 

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception dedicated by Archbishop 

Flughes, in presence and assisted by another archbishop, 5 

bishops and 50 priests, with an audience of 4,000 persons, 

Nov. 21. 
Rev. A. A. Thayer installed at Universalist Church, Dec. i. 

City Volunteers, under Capt. John Arts, makes first appearance, 

Dec. 9. 
John Taylor's malt-house partly destroyed, loss $15,000, Dec. 10. 
Grace Episcopal Church dedicated by Bishop Vv^ainwright, Dec. 14. 



6l8 ELI PRRRY. No. 48. 

1852-1853. 



The steamboat TIendrik Hudson frozen in while going" to New 
York, Dec. 22. 

River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 23. 

New edifice of First Baptist Society, Hudson ave.. Plain and Philip 
sts. first opened for service, Dec. 26. 

Steamboat Isaac Newton, having been sheathed with iron, forces 
her way to Coeymans, and liberating the Hendrik Hudson, 
brings that steamer to this city, Dec. 29. 



1853. 



Horatio Seymour inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. i. 

" Country Gentleman " assumed as name of L. Tucker's farm 
journal, Jan. i. 

Charter officials, Mayor, W^illiam Parmelee ; Common Council : 
John McEvoy, Stejjhen Harris, I. Richard Godley, Ebenezer 
G. Chesebro, H. John A. Sickles, Gerrit V. S. Bleecker, HL 
Charles Gay, John McBride Davidson, IV. Visscher Ten Eyck, 
Richard D. Van Rensselaer, V. George Dexter, Henry Russell, 
VI. Thomas Higgins, George Vanderlip, VII. Richard 
Stafford, Patrick M. McCall, VIII. Thomas W. Valentine, 
David H. Gary, IN. Philip Frederich, Theodore Townsend, 
X. In office on, Jan. i. 

Legislature convenes, Jan. 4. 

In row at Green Street theatre policeman stabbed by bayonet in 
hands of one of a dozen who had forced entrance to take 
possession for JMr. Preston, Ian. 11. 

Anna Maria Saltus, wife of Lansing Pruyn, dies, Jan. 29. 

L. R. Brock appointed keeper of almshouse, vice Ilalliday, Jan. 31. 

Evening Transcript first published by Cuyler & Henly, the seventh 
city paper at this time, Feb. i. 

Survivors of campaign of 181 2 arrive from New York and are 
joined here by tliirty-cight Albany conu-ades who parade under 
Col. Haight, escorted by Republican Artillery, Feb. 3 

Survivors of 1812, one hundred in number, joined by thirtv-eight 
of Albany, addressed by Gov. Seymour at Capitol, Feb. 4. 

Green Street theatre sold for $6,975 under sheriff's hammer. 

Feb. 8. 

Mr. Forsyth presents petition to Legislature for establishment of 
a House of Refuge at Albany, Feb. 18. 

Bill to consolidate the various railroad lines between Albany and 
Buffalo passed by Assembly, March 2Ty. 

River open to navigation, official record, March 23, 



No. 48. ELI PERRY. 619 

1853. 

Last rail of the Northern Railroad connecting" Albany and Cohoes, 

laid, March 24. 

Green Street theatre opened by Edmund S. Connor, March 28. 

Bank of the Capitol goes into operation, April i. 

New York Central Railroad organized on plans by Edwin Dean 

Worcester of this city. April 2. 

Experimental trip on the Albany Northern Railroad as far as Cohoes, 

April g. 
Albany Northern Railroad commences regular trips to Cohoes, 

April II. 
Legislature adjourns, April 13. 

Meeting held to organize Albany County Agricultural Society, 

April 14. 
Mary, wife of Daniel Boughton, dies, April 19. 

Dr. Lewis C. Beck, aged 55, chemistry professor in Medical College 

and engaged in scientific enterprises, dies, April 20. 

Albany Northern Railroad open to Waterford. May 7. 

Capt. John Bogart, aged 92, in command of a vessel transporting 

officers on the Hudson in 1776. dies, May 22. 

Prisoners in the jail, s. e. cor. Eagle and Howard streets, removed 

to the new lockup on north side of Alaiden Lane, east of City 

Hall, June 2. 

Members of Legislature accept trip on the Consolidated Railroad 

to Niagara Falls, June 4. 

Legislative train returns from Niagara in 7 hrs. 44 min., June 6. 
Last rail laid on Albany Northern Railroad connecting at Eagle 

Bridge with the \ ermont road. June 29. 

First locomotive passes over Albany Northern from Eagle Bridge. 

June ^o. 
Boiler of steamboat New World explodes, killing four, July i. 
Directors of the consolidating railroad to Buffalo elect first officers, 

Erastus Corning, Pres., J. A\ L. Pruyn, Sec. and Treas., 

J"iy 7 

New York Central railroad and the Hudson River railroad consoli- 
date under plan of Edwin Dean Worcester of this city, Aug. i. 

Deaths by heat during the week number 28, Aug. 13. 

First passenger train on Northern Railroad comes through from 
Eagle Bridge, Aug. 16. 

Woman weighing 764 pounds and her daughter, aged 15 years, 
weighing 340 pounds, shown at Bleecker Hall, No. 527 Broad- 
way, Aug. 17. 

Worth Guards on an excursion to Coxsackie attacked by ruffians 
who had come along, and villagers drive the boat away, 

Aug. 22. 



620 ELI PERRY. No. 48. 

1853, 1856. 

John Morgan, chief of poHce since organization of present force, 
resigns, Sept. 4. 

Gronnd broken for the .Vh)any & Snsqnehainia raih-oad, Sept. 5. 

First of tlie enlarged Erie canal boats arrives, with .3,720 Imshels 
of wheat, Sept. lo. 

Albany forwards $1,535.25 to New (Orleans yellow fever snfferers, 

Sept. 20. 

Albany Academy elects Rev. Wm. A. Miller. D.D., its (5th) presi- 
dent. 

Edmund Marcy. aged 22, youngest son of Gov. W. L. Marcy, dies 
at sea on July 5th and is buried from father's house on State 
street. Sept. 2C). 

County Fair held on Troy Road, receipts $2,000, Oct. 6. 

Miss Catherine Springsteed award a silver cup at Countv Fair here 
for equestrianism. Oct. 7. 

Green Island village incorporated. Oct. 14. 

Rev. \Vm. Ingraliam Kip of St. Paul's Church (rector and author) 
appointed missionary bishop to California, Oct. 22. 

First train of cars comes down from Rutland over the Albany 
Northern Railroad Co.'s line. Nov. 5. 

William Parmelee chosen the Mavor a thirfl time at the Charter 
election, receiving 3,073 votes as the \\niig candidate; his op- 
Donent. Eli Perry, receiving 2.692 votes as the Democratic 
candidate; Chauncey Pratt Williams receiving 1,165 votes; 
William Eggleston receiving 6 votes ; blank and scattering, 36 
votes; total number of votes cast, 6,972; Parmelee's majority 
over Perry being 381 votes, he is declared elected the Mayor 
of Albany, Nov. 8. 

River closed to navigation, ofhcial record, Dec. it. 

• ^ • 
rSee No. sr^A 



r Continued froiu No. 56.) 
1856. 



Hon. Eli Perry is sworn as the MaA'or of Albany a third time, 
having been chosen to succeed l\Iayor William Parmelee at 
the Charter election held on April 8th, when he received 2,990 
votes as the Democratic candidate ; his opponent, John V. P. 
Ouackenbush, receiving 2.172 votes as the Rcpuljlican candi- 
date; Visscher Ten Evck receiving 1,100 votes; blank and 



No. 4^. ELI PERRY. 621 

1856. 



scattering, 14 votes; total number of votes cast, 6.276; Perry's 
majority being; 818 votes, he was declared chosen the flavor 
of Albany, Alay 6. 

Charter election, Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : Cornelius 
]\IcCloskey, Michael Cassidy, I. George !>. Johnson. Thomas 
S. Knight, II. George A. H. Englehart, John Hurdis, III. 
Erastus H. Pease, Richard Merrifield, IV. Richard Van Rens- 
selaer, Joseph C. Y. Paige, V. Henry Russell, Henry Lansing, 
VI. John Benson, Thomas Kearney, \TI. Hiram Gilbert, 
James Jones, VIII. Henry J. Wells, Henry Crandall. IX. 
Andrew M. Bullock, Robert Harper, X. Election, .Vpril 8; 
sworn in, ]\Iay 6. 

The 76th Regiment organized by Col. Frederick Townsend. 

Funeral of Cyrus Edson, killed with two others, by explosion on 
the 15th at his distillery at lower end of Broadway, jNIay 18. 

Corner-stone of St. Joseph's Church laid, June i. 

Workmen tear down the old City hotel, June 16. 

The old Yates Alansion on Broad street sold to Thomas W. Olcott 
for use of the principal of the Female Academy, $16,000, 

June IQ. 

Albany Bridge Co. stock subscribed for $500,000 in few hour:;, 

June 25. 

The 25th Regiment erecting a high flagstaff at Steamboat Square, 
General Frisby raises the national flag while a salute of 13 
guns is fired, Julv 2. 

Common Council changes name of Patroon street to Clinton ave., 

July 7. 

John I. Boyd, a founder of St. Andrew's Society, aged 76, dies, 

July 12. 

Archibald Campbell, proiuinent citizen, born at Glenlyon, Scotland, 
in 1779, ^^^^^ coming here in 1798, a founder of St. Andrew's 
Society, aged yy years, dies, July 14. 

One of the earliest torchlight parades for a political candidate, 
transparencies and Roman candles, ratifying the nomination 
of Millard Fillmore for President, Aug. 14. 

American Society for the Advancement of Science meets in the 
Capitol, Aug. 20. 

Total amount raised for the Dudley Observatory, $98,850, Aug. 21. 

Robert M. K. Strong, one of the brightest in the legal profession, 
aged 44 years, dies, Aug. 24. 

State Geological Hall opened by the famous Louis Agassiz and the 
American Scientific Association, Aug. 27. 



622 ELI PERRV. No. 48. 

1856. 

Co. B of the loth Battalion joins State militia, attached to 76tli 
Reg't, Aug. 28. 

Imposing" and enthusiastic ceremonies at the dedication of the 
Dudley Observatory, exercises held in an immense canvas tent 
erected in the Academy Park, ex-Governor Washington Hunt 
speaking a forceful eulogy of the late Mayor Charles E. Dud- 
ley, after whom it is named, and then the youthful astronomer, 
Benjamin Apthorp Goold speaks, followed by Prof. Bache. 
At this point Judge Harris reads a letter from Mrs. Blandina 
Dudley, his widow, offering the additional sum of $50,000, 
which news is received with uproarious applause. Edward 
Everett of Boston tlien delivers an oration in polished phrasing, 
and at its close the assemblage calls for Mrs. Dudley, who rises 
and bows, while shedding tears of deep emotion, overcome by 
the compliment, Aug. 28. 

Albany Academy elects David Murray, Ph.D., its (6th) president. 

Albany Evening Union first published by James ^lacfarlane, 

Sept. 8. 

Albany Exchange Bank incorporated. 

City Tract and Missionary Society incorporated. 

Westerlo Mansion on Pearl street sold at auction, $17,000, 

Sept. 18, 

Hudson River Bridge Co. organizing elects Erastus Corning presi- 
dent, Sept. 24. 

Fire destroys the Argentina works of Smith & Co., Kenwood, 
$50,000, Oct. 2. 

Albany Rural Cemetery appoints James W. Green (3rd) superin- 
tendent. 

Steamboat America sunk by collision with a sloop, Nov. i. 

Albany County Medical Society celebrates semi-centennial, Dr. U. 
G. Bigelow presiding, and Dr. S. D. Willard reading a history, 

Nov. II. 

Maria Banyar, widow of Goldsborough Bandar and daughter of 
John Jay, aged 75, dies in New York city, Nov. 21. 

Children's Friendly Society organized, November. 

Mansion House on west side of Broadway north of State street, 
sold at auction and bought for $60,000 by A'an Heusen & 
Charles, Nov. 22, 

Two immense stones, weighing 10 tons each, arrive for the Dudley 
Observatory from Kingston, Nov. 25. 

River closed to navigation, official record. Dec. 14. 

Samuel Pruyn re]:)orts the Penitentiary earnings for year as 
$3,178.04, bee. 19. 




DUDLEY OBSERVATORY— OLD. 

Erected on a N. Albany hill given by Gen. S. Van Rensselaer, and named in honor of 
late Mayor Chas. E. Dudley. His widow (Blandina, died Mch. 6, 1863) gave $13,000 on 
Oct. I, 1851, and $50,000 in 1856. Organized, T. W. Olcott, Pres't, May 28, 1852 ; dedi- 
cation ceremony in Academy Park, Edward Everett, Orator, Aug. 28, 1856 ; abandoned 
(for new) 1893 : burned May 16, 1904. 



No. 48. ELI PERRY. 623. 

1857. 

1857. 

John A. King- escorted from Congress Hall by Albany Burgesses' 
Corps, to the Capitol, where he is inaugurated Governor, 

Jan. I. 
Charter officials holding office for this year: Mayor, Eli Perry; 
Common Council: Alichael Cassidy, Owen Golden, I. Thomas 
S. AIcKnight, Thomas B. Morrow, II. John Hurdis, Samuel 
W. Gibbs, III. Richard Merrifield, John D. Serviss, IV. 
Joseph C. Y. Paige, John Winne, V. Henry Lansing, James 
B. Sanders, VII. Thomas Kearney, John Benson, VII. James 
Jones, Charles Snowden, VIII. Henry Crandall, Richard Bar- 
hydt, IX. Robert Harper, Isaac Vanderpoel, X. In office on, 

Jan. I. 
Folsom's Business College established by H. B. Bryant and II. D. 

Stratton. 
State Medical Society celebrates semi-centennial with banquet at 
the Delavan House, Feb. 4. 

Clinton Cassidy elected president of the Y. ^I. A., Feb. 5. 

^^^ater so high that it enters stores on west side of Broadway, 

Feb. 9. 

Subscriptions to flood sufferers here reach $5,100, Feb. 12. 

Convention of abolitionists at the Young Men's Association rooms, 

Wm. H. Topp, a colored man presiding, and Miss Susan B. 

Anthony speaking with great earnestness, (she died in 1906), 

Feb. 20. 

Capt. Barnum Whipple, who projected the series of dykes and 

sought to overcome the Overslaugh, (buried here), 60 years a 

resident, dies at Staten Island, aged JJ years, Feb. 28. 

River open to navigation, official record, March 18. 

Y. M. C. A. (No. 124 State st.) organized, March 23 

Henry II. A'an Dvke appointed (the 2nd) State superintendent of 

public instruction, April 7. 

Albany Morning Express established by Stone & Henly, May 4. 

Pioneer Rowing Club, the first in the city, founded. 

Ex-Gov. William L. ]\[arcy. for 40 years a resident of the city, 

born in Worcester county, ]Mass.. Dec. 12, 1786, graduate of 

Brown Universitv in 1808, studied law at Troy, served with 

ability in War of 1812, appointed recorder of Troy in 1816, 

moved to Albany in 1821, made judge of supreme court in 

1829, elected to U. S. Senate in 1831, elected Governor in 1832, 

and served six years, in 181.5 made secretary of war by Presi- 



624 ELI PERRY. No. 48. 

1857-1858. 



dent Polk, made secretary of state by President Pierce, dies 
at Ballston of heart trouble, aged 71 years, July 4. 

Ex-Gov. Wm. L. Marcy's funeral, 27 military companies, July 8. 

Albany & Vermont railroad chartered, Oct. 17. 

Lyman Tremain of this city elected State attorney-general, 

Nov. 3. 

John Keyes Paige (ex-mayor) dies at Schenectady, Dec. 10. 

-Beck Literary Society of Albany Academy founded, Dec. 11. 

River closes to navigation, Government record, Dec. 27. 



1858. 



State Museum collection placed in Agricultural Hall, s. \v. corner 
State and Lodge streets. 

River open to navigation, official record, March 20. 

Hon. Eli Perry elected the Mayor of Albany a fourth time, at the 
Charter election, receiving 4,702 votes as the Democratic candi- 
date ; his opponent. Dr. John Quackenbush receiving 4,601 
votes as the Republican candidate ; blank and scattering, 26 
votes; total number of votes cast, 9,329; Perry's majority over 
Quackenbush being loi votes, he is declared elected the Mayor 
of Albany, April 13. 

State Armory site, s. w. cor. Eagle and Hudson ave. bought, 

April 17. 
• • • 

Hon. Eli Perry is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, having been 
chosen such at the Charter election held on April I3tli, when 
his majority over Dr. Johu Quackenbush was loi votes. 

May 4. 

Charter election, Mayor, Eli Perry: Common Council: Owen 
Golden, James Schuyler, L Thomas P. Morrow, Michael Dcle- 
lianty, H. Samuel W. Gibbs, Nehemiah Osborn, HL John D. 
Serviss, Philip Wendell, IV. John Winne, Albion Ransom, A'. 
James B. Sanders, James A. Wilson, VL John Benson, Thomas 
Kearney, VH. Charles Snowden, John Evers, VH. Richard 
Barhydt, Ichabod L. Judson, IX. Isaac Vandcrpoel, Christo- 
plier W. Bender, X. Election, April 13 ; sworn in. May 4. 

Albany Rural Cemetery receiving vault erected. 

Knickerbocker Rowing Club founded. 

Ancient Order of Hibernians organized. 

Atlantic cable laying celebration, Sept. i. 

Firemen's jubilee for three days. 3,000 coming from six other States. 

Sept. 29. 









^B^t, .■^' * ^^Stti^ 




HH^^lH 




RECEIVIXG \ AULTS. 



RURA.L CEMETERY CHAPEL AND VAULT. 

The vaults, for convenience in winter, were constructed in 1858, and the 
Chapel, for free use at burials, in 1884. They are conveniently near each other 
on opposite sides of the main driveway. 



No. 48. ELI PERKY. 625 



1858-1859. 



Common Council minutes first printed, Oct. 6. 

Union Musical Ass'n ( R. L. Johnson, Pres. ) organized, October. 

Joel Munsell's "Annals of Albany," consisting of 10 volumes, be- 
ginning with " Notes from the Newspapers " at about 1770, a 
very few notes at the start, but a source of much information 
furnished thereby up to Sept. 7, 1847, at which time the 
" annals '" (or daily chronicle) commence, and terminate at 
this date, December. 



1859. 



Edwin D. Morgan becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Charter officials holding office for this year — Mayor, Eli Perry ; 
Common Council : James Schuyler, Henry Mix, I. Michael 
Delehanty, Thomas Schuyler, II. Nehemiah Osborn, Isaac N. 
Keeler, III. Philip Wendell, Horace L. Emery, IV. Albion 
Ransom, Charles B. Redfield, V. James A. Wilson, George 
Thacher, VI. Thomas Kearney, Thomas Mattimore, VII. John 
Evers, Martin White, VIII. Ichabod L. Judson, Charles Bell, 
IX. Christopher W. Bender, William P. Brayton, X. In office, 

Jan. I. 

River closed to navigation, Government record, Jan. 17. 

Teunis Van Vechten (ex-mayor) dies, Feb. 4. 

Piccolomini at Association Hall, Feb. 14. 

Commerce Insurance Company of Albany, capital $200,000, (Silas 
B. Hamilton, Pres.) organized. 

River opens to navigation. Government record, March 13. 

Nicholas Flill, (able lawyer) dies. May i. 

Hiawatha and Excelsior Rowing Clubs founded. 

St. Peter's church ('2nd edifice) demolished and work on new one 
commenced, Richard M. Upjohn, architect ; Rev. Thomas Clapp 
Pitkin, rector; length, 136 ft.; breadth, 68 ft; height, 64 ft., 
Gothic ; corner-stone laid, June 29. 

Sacred Heart Convent remvose to its thir quarters, from Hlilhouse 
property on Troy Road, to Joel Rathbone estate, Kenwood. 

First match rowing race at Albany. 

Tabernacle Bap. Cb. organized, Clinton ave. and Ten Broeck, 

October. 

State Fair, the 19th (Abraham B. Conger, Pres.) held at Albany 
3rd time. 

School No. 13 occupies .State Arsenal. Broadway and Lawrence. 

River closes to navigation. Government record^ Dec. lO. 



626 ELI PERRY. No. 48. 

1860, 1862. 

1860. 

Population of the city 62,367. 

Population of New York State 3,880,735. 

William IJarnes, Sr., appointed the first State superintendent of 
insurance, Jan. 12. 

St. George's Benevolent Society re-organized, Jan. 27. 

River opens to navigation. Government record, March 3. 

Kerosene oil introduced in Albany. 

Time-ball dropped on Capitol by Dudley Observatory. 

George Hornell Thacher elected the Mayor of Albany at the 
Charter election, receiving 4,825 votes as the Democratic candi- 
date ; his opponent, John Taylor, receiving 4,090 votes as the 
Republican candidate ; Hiram Perry receiving 334 votes ; blank 
and scattering, 19 votes; total number of votes cast, 0,268; 
Thacher's majority over Taylor being 735 votes, he is declared 
elected the Mayor of Albany, April 10, 

• * • 
( See No. 50.) 



( Continued from No. 50.) 
1862. 



Hon. Eli Jr'erry is sworn as the Mayor of Albany a fifth time, suc- 
ceeding Mayor John Taylor, liaving been elected at the Charter 
election held on April 8, 1862, when he received 5,635 votes 
as the Democratic candidate ; liis opponent George W. Luther, 
receiving 3,146 votes as the Republican candidate; blank and 
scattering, 40 votes; total number of votes cast, 8,821 ; Perry's 
majority over Luther being 2,489 votes he was declared chosen 
Mayor of Albany, ]\Iay 6. 

Charter election. Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : John 
Tracey, Bernard Reynolds, L Lemuel M. Rodgers, Thomas 
AlcCarty, H. John W. Harcourt, John Kennedy, HL William 
Hastings, \\'illiam ( )rr, I\'. Erastus Corning, Jr., James L 
Johnson, \\ .Samuel Anable, Abraham A. Wemple, VL Ed- 
ward Mulcahy, Terrence J. Quinn, \TL Michael A. Sheehan. 
Thomas J. Cowell. \TIT. John Phillips, George L Amsdell, 
IX. Joseph T. Rice, Edward Wilson, X. Election, April 8 ; 
sworn in, * May 6. 




ST. PETER'S CHURCH — THIRD EDIFICE. 

The second edifice, built in 1802 at N. W. cor. of State and Lodge 

sts., was taken down, and the cornerstone of this one laid on June 29, 

1859; Gothic style; Richard M. Upjohn, Architect; first service 

Sept. i6th, and consecrated by Bishop Horatio Potter, Oct. 4, i86c. 



No. 48. ELI PERRY. 627 

1862-1863. 



National Commercial Bank obviates calling extra Legislative session 
by paying bounties amounting to $3,500,000, .Uilv- 

Dr. John Swinburne, appointed chief of Gen. John F. Rathbone's 
medical staff at the begimiing of the war, given full command 
by Major-General McClellan of all surgical cases at Savage 
Station sick camp, near Richmond, Va., one of the most im- 
portant hospital stations throughout the war, June 20. 

Ex-President Martin Van Buren, who had had a law office in this 
city; born at Kinderhook on Dec. 5. 1782, Governor of New 
York, 1828-29; Secretary of State under President Jackson; U. 
S. Minister to Gt. Britain, 1831 ; Vice-President, 1833-1837; 8th 
President, 1837-1841 ; dies at his home, Kinderhook, July 24. 

Steamboat Mary Powell starts first trip, July- 

Departure of 113th Reg't, Col. Lew O. Morris, for Washington, 
D. C, ^ ^ Aug. 19. 

Recruiting offices kept open on Sunday because of the stress, the 
clergy delivering stirring patriotic addresses on State st., 

Aug. 31, 

Tenth Regiment's services acceoted, Sept. 2. 

St. Paul's Episcopal Church (its 3rd edifice) south side of Lan- 
caster, west of Swan St., first occupied, Sept. 21. 

State Street Presbyterian Church (south side, west of Swan) dedi- 
cated, Oct. 12. 

Trinity Place ordered so designated, Oct. 20. 

Albany Zouave Cadets (Co. A) mustered into U. S. service as Co. 
A, 177th N. Y. Vols., Nov. 21. 

Departure of the loth Regiment for seat of war, crowds standing 
in the streets and swarming in windows and upon roofs, women 
crying and flags waving, which in conjunction with the patri- 
otic martial music makes a stirring scene, remembered by all 
long years after, Dec. 16. 

River closes to navigation, official record, Dec. 23. 



1863. 



Horatio Seymour becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Charter ofificials holding office for the year, but not tlie result of 
election this year — Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : John 
Tracey, Bernard Reynolds, L Lemuel M. Rodgers, Thomas 
McCarty, IL James McTntyre, John Kennedy, Jr., TIT. Fran- 
cis N. Sill, William Orr, IV. Erastus Corning, Jr., James I.. 
Johnson, V. John R. McCollum, Charles E. Bleecker, VL 
Edward ]\Iulcahy, Terrence J. Quinn, \TI. James C. Nolan, 



628 ELI PERRY. No. 48. 

1863. 

J. Cowell, VIII. Richard Barhydt, George I. Amsdell, IX. 

Edward Wilson, William Gould, X. In office on, Jan. i. 

First fire steamer house. No. 4, " the McQuade," opened. 
Post-office opened in the Exchange Building, Jan. 24. 

Rufus H. King elected president of Albany Savings bank, because 

of death (1862) of Gerrit Y. Lansing. 
Albany Academy celebrates semi-centennial, March 4. 

]\Irs. Blandina Dudley, widow of late Mayor Charles E. Dudley 

and founder of the Dudley Observatory, dies, March 6. 

River open to navigation, official record, April 7. 

Children's Friend Society incorporated, April 7. 

Resolution of Senator James A. Bell to erect new Capitol, 

April 24. 
Capt. Wm. James Temple, aged 22, dies of wounds at Chancellors- 

ville, May i. 

Clinton avenue changed from Patroon street, May 4. 

Board of Lumber Dealers organized, Henry O. Hawley, president. 
John Meads, prominent citizen, aged 60, dies. May 11. 

Adjt. Richard Marvin Strong dies at Camp Bonnet Carre, La., of 

typhoid, May 12. 

Recruiting tents again erected in the middle of State street, 

May 12. 
Third Regiment returns, having left here May 16, 1861, with 780 

strong, under Col. Frederick Townsend, only 422 coming back 

alive. May 15. 

Gen. Geo. B. McClellan a visitor of the city. May 23. 

Steamboat St. John of I*eople's evening line, built by John Englis. 

New York, to run following year, 2,645 tons, 420x51 x 10 ft. 
Steamboat Milton Martin (General Grant's dispatch boat on James 

river) built at Jersey City, put on Newburgh line. 
Steamboat Thomas Cornell built by E. S. Whitlock, 1.256 tons, 310 

feet long, 34 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 72 x 144 in. engine. 
Steamboat Berkshire built by Morton & Edmonds, 253 x 37 x 10 

feet, 54 X 132 in. engine. 
Strike of formidable proportions, dock laborers and Central railroad 

employees seeking advance of 37>4 cts., mob ruling city and 

marching with clubs to all workshops, requiring services of 

25th Reg't, June 15. 

Horse-cars start running on Broadway. June 22. 

Albany Boys' Academy celebrates semi-centennial, Orlando Meads 

the orator, at Tweddle hall, June 23. 

Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad Co. operates horse-cars from 

Broadway and S. Ferry st. to 25th street in Watervliet, 

July 4. 




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No. 48. ELI PERRY. 629 



1863-1864. 



Fire engine operated by steam authorized by Common Council to 
be purchased, J^'^^Y ^3- 

Return of loth Regiment. Sept. i. 

Academy of Music (Trimble, Leland) opened. 

Albany Zouave Cadets ( Co. A) mustered out of U. S. service, 

Sept. 10. 

Albany Academy elects James Wier Mason, A. M.. its (7th) 
principal. 

Formation of Albany Railway allowed by Act of Sept. 12 

John Taylor (ex-mayor) dies, Sept. 13 

Joel Rathbone dies at Paris, Sept. 13 

Albany & Susquehanna road open to Central 1 '.ridge (35 miles) 

Sept. 16 

James Kidd elected first president of Albany Railway. Sept. 17 

Albany Railway organized, Sept. 24 

Albany railway contracts with James Brady, John and W. H 
Phelan for single tracks at $8,500 per mile ( failing, later to 
N. H. Decker at $9,500 per mile), Oct. 16. 

First bridge over the Hudson begun, Oct, 19. 

Work begun on State st. horse railway, Nov. 2. 

Steamboat Isaac Newton's boiler explodes, Dec. 5. 

River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 16. 

Pearl Street theatre (Leland) converted from St. Paul's Episcopal 
church into Academy of Music by Jolui "SI. Trimble and 
opened, Dec. 22. 



1864. 



First grand opera given in Albany, " Lucrezia Borgia," Jan. 4. 

Adam Blake, brought to New York a slave by Jacob Lansing and 
sold to the Patroon, dies, Jan. lO. 

Ash Grove property sold by E. S. Stearns to Samuel Schuyler for 
church erection, $24,000, Jan. ii. 

Rev. Peter Bullions, D.D., instructor in Albany Boys' Acadeiuy and 
noted writer of Latin text-books, (b. AIoss Side, Perthshire, 
Scotlan.d. Dec. 1701) dies at Troy, Feb. i^,. 

Albany Railway Co. operates horse-cars (12 feet long, 3 miles per 
hour) from Broadway and State street to Central avenue and 
Northern Boulevard, Feb. 22. 

Army Relief Bazaar opens in Academy Park, Feb. 22. 

First horse-cars of Albany railway begin running, Feb. 22. 

Armv Relief Bazaar in Academy Park reports receipts $111,493.49; 



630 ELI PERRY. No. 48. 

1864. 

expenses, $29,584.99; balance, $81,908.50, sent to U. S. Sani- 
tary Commission. 

Close of the Army Relief Bazaar in the Academy Park, March 10. 

River opens to navigation. Government record, March 11. 

Steamer St. John, People's Line, starts running, ^vlarch 17. 

Rev. John N. Campbell dies, March 27. 

First fire steamer arrives, March 31. 

Brig-.-Gen. Lewis Benedict ( b. Albany, Sept. 2, 1817) killed at 
battle of Pleasant Hill, April 9. 

Lion. Eli Perry chosen the Alayor of Albany at the Charter election, 
receiving' 5.375 votes as the Democratic candidate; his oppo- 
nent. Gen. John Finlay Rathbone, receiving 3,462 votes as the 
Republican candidate ; blank and scattering, 42 votes ; total 
number of votes cast, 8,879; Perry's majority over Rathbone 
being- 1,913 votes, he is declared elected the Alayor, April 12. 

Senator Laimbeer introduces a bill providing for a new Capitol, 
appropriating $100,000 as preliminary, April 13. 

Strike at Joel Munsell's printerv because of the introduction of two 
girls to work, through the lack of printers because of the war, 

April 21. 

Beaverwvck Steam I'ire Engine Comjiany organized, April 25. 

Military funeral of Col. Lewis Benedict, a hero of the war. May 2. 

•k -k it 

Hon. Eli Perry sworn a sixth time as the !Mayor of Alljany, having 
been chosen such at the Charter election held on Aj)ril 12th, 
when he received a majority of 1.913 votes over Gen. John F. 
Rathbone, his Republican opponent. May 3. 

Charter election. Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : Bernard 
Reynolds, John Tracey, L Thomas McCarty, Lemuel ]\I. 
Rodgers, H. John Kennedy, James McTntyre, HL LeCTrand 
Bancroft, Francis N. Sill, IV. James L Johnson, Erastus Corn- 
ing, Jr., Y. Lemon Thomson, John R. McCollum, \T. Bar- 
tholomew Judge, Edward Mulcahy, \'Jl. Edward J. Kearney, 
James Nolan, YIU. George L Amsdell, Richard Barhydt, IX. 
Edmund L. Judson, \\'illiam Gould, X. Election, April 12; 
sworn in. May 3. 

(iround broken for a horse railroad on Pearl street to run to Ken- 
wood. May 9. 

Nationals (baseball) club (Captain Edward A. Ross) organized. 

May. 

Colonel Lewis Owen Morris ( b. .Mbany. Aug. 14, 1824.') killed at 
Battle of Cold Harbor. June 3. 

All)anv Zouave Cadets furnish /=^ coinmissione<l officers to Civil 
War. 



No. 48. ELI PERRY. 631 



1864-1865. 



Major Charles E. Pruyn killed near Petersburg, June 15. 

Co. B, of Tenth battalion, furnishes Civil War forces with 60 
officers. 

Steamboat Chauncey A'ibbarcl of Pludson River line, built by Law- 
rence & Sneden of New York, 1,158 tons, 281x35x9 feet, 
62 X 144 in. engine, in commission, June. 

Steamboat Dean Richmond of People's line, built by John Englis 
of New York, 2,525 tons. 348 x 46 x 10 feet, 75 x 168 in. engine. 

Marcus T. Reynolds, one of the most prominent lawyers of the 
State, (b. Minavdle, N. Y'., Dec. 29, 1788) dies at liis resi- 
dence, s. e. cor. Pearl and Maiden Lane, July ii. 

Bounties paid by county $1,074,217.28, Dec. 4, 1863, to July 18. 
1864. 

Bishop McCloskey leaves for N. Y. city, July 2_^. 

Ash Grove ( AL E. ) Church corner-stone laid, August. 

Normal school elects Oliver C. Arey its (5th) principal (succeeding 
D. H. Cochrane of 1856). 

Return of 44th Regiment, Sept. 28. 

Hay crop of Albany county 74,133 tons. 

Board of Trade (est. 1847) ^o. 40 State St., incorporated. 

St. Peter's Church Orphans' Home organized. 

Steamboat Francis Skiddy wrecked on rock off Staats dock, 

Nov. 25. 

River closes to navigation. Government record, Dec. 12. 

Sleighs substituted for street cars because of heavy snow, Dec. 2t,. 

New bell raised in Middle Dutch churcli, 3.230 lbs., Dec. 24. 



1865. 

Population of the city 62,613. 

Reuben E. Fenton becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Chief James McQuade reports to Common Council that steam- 
operated fire-engines must in time supersede those operated 
by hand, and that horses should draw them and not gangs of 
men, January. 

Rev. Dr. W. B. Spragne officiates at funeral of Edward Everett 
at Boston, Jan. iS. 

Rev. Mr. Ludlow succeeds Rev. Dr. John N. (Campbell at Eirst 
Presbyterian church, Jan. 19. 

Dr. Alason Cogswell's funeral, Jan. 24. 

Washington Ave. Baptist Church changes to Calvary, Feb. 4. 

Lt.-Col. Fred L. Tremaine killed in cavalry fight at Hatcher's Run, 

Feb. 8. 



6;^2 ELI PERRY. No. 48. 



1865. 



Fire engineers of each steamer company to be paid $75 per month, 

Feb. 19. 
Mayor otters State Congress i^Iall site, value •$ir-'5,555, ^^^ Capitol, 

Feb. 23. 

River opens to navigation, Government record, March 17. 

Neg-roes admitted to Y. M. A., April 8. 

Charter election at which the second named alderman in each ward 
was elected this day, but not the others or the mayor — Mayor, 
Eli Perry ; Common Council : Bernard Reynolds, Timothy Sul- 
livan, I. Thomas McCarty, Thomas Mulhall, II. John Ken- 
nedy, Jr., John C. Ward, III. Le Grand Bancroft, H. D. Bur- 
linghame, IV. James I. Johnson, John N. Parker, V. Lemon 
Thomson, William Dalton, VI. Bartholomew Judge, Andrew 
Kean, VII. Edward J. Kearney, Charles T. Shepard, VIII. 
George I. Amsdell, Richard Barhydt, IX. Edmund L. Judson, 
John B. Sturtevant, X. Election, 

President Lincoln's body here in state in old Capitol, 

N^ew Capitol building authorized by Act of May i. 

Major George S. Dawson ( b. Rochester, Xov. /, 1838) 
wounds received before Petersburg, 

Return of i)ist Regiment, 

Western ave. changed from Gt. Western turnpike, 

Return of 42nd Regiment, 

Ash Grove (M. E.) Church, $100,000, dedicated. 

Steamer Dean Richmond, People's Line, starts running, 

Albany Railway Co. o])c rates horse-cars on Xorth and South Pearl 
street and on Bethlehem turnpike from Van Woert street to 
Kenwood. 

Central avenue paved. 

Mutual Boat Club organized, 

Henry G. Wheaton (able lawyer) killed by a train. 

Hops extensively produced in the county, 46,585 lbs. 

Co. A of Tenth regiment makes excursion to Rochester, 

Fourth Presbyterian Church corner-stone laid, 

Return of 8ist Regiment, 

Albany Evening Times first issued as evening paper, 

Evening Post, No. 7 Hudson ave., R. M. Griffin, editor, established, 

Oct. 2^. 

Fire steamers in use at this period, the James McQuade, the Putnam 
and the Thomas Kearney. 

Albany county war expense, gross $4,485,276.45, reported, Nov. 28. 

Steamboat St. John's boiler explodes, killing 15, Nov. 29, 

River closes to navigation. Government record, Dec. 12. 



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No. 48- ELI PERRY. 633 

1866. 



1866. 

Ladies' Army Relief Association that had a large " Bazaar " in 
Academy Park, reports having raised $19,712.30. Jan. i. 

Board of Public Instruction created by Chapter 444. Laws of 
1866. 

Board of Public Instruction elects John O. Cole its first ^iresidcnt. 

Board of Public Instruction appoints Henry B. Haswell the first 
superintendent of schools. 

Prof. James Plall made director of N. Y. State Museum. 

Dr. Eliphalet Nott, some time an Albany pastor, (b. Ashford, 
Conn., June 25, 1773) president of LTnion College, 1804-1866, 
dies at Schenectady, Jan. 29. 

Caecilia Singing Society (John Waas, Pres.) organized, Feb. 3. 

" L^pper " ( Lumber street or Livingston ave.) bridge, 21 piers, 1,953 
ft., a total of 4.253 ft., opened. Feb. 22. 

River opens to navigation. Government record March 20. 

George Hornell Thacher elected the Mayor of Albany a second 
time, being chosen at the Charter election when he receives 
5,600 votes as the Democratic candidate : his opponent, Robert 
Hewson Pruyn, receiving 4,867 votes as the Republican candi- 
date; blank and scattering, 18 votes; total number of votes 
cast, 10,485 ; Thacher's majority over Pruyn being 733 votes, 
he is declared elected the Mayor of Albany, April 10. 

• • • 

(See No. 50.) 



No. 49. 

OIljarbH Uateon ^niari. 



April 28, 1&56 — May 5, 1856 



No. 49. 
CHARLES WATSON GODARD. 

Date of office: April 28, 1856-May 5, 1856. 

Date of election: Appointed by Common Conncil to fill vacancy. 

Political party: Republican. 

Vote: Unanimous. 

Opponent: None. 

Vote: None. 

Date of birth: July 2^, 1817. 

Place of birth: Granby, Conn. 

Parents: Drayton (G.) and Achsah U. Gaines. 

Education: School at Sauquoit, N. Y. 

Married to: Lydia Lorraine Wilson. 

Date: Canastota, N. Y., March 17, 1841. 

Children: (4) Helen (Powell), Clara, Lillie (Rietz), Josephine 
(Crosman). 

Residence: No. 79 Hawk street. 

Occupation: Agent for lake boats, 98 Pier. 

Religion: Baptist. 

Date of death: February 19, 1883. 

Place of death: Brooklyn. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Captain. 

Remarks: Appointed by Common Council, on the death of Mayor 
Parmelee. Captain of the Port of New York, Governor Fen- 
ton's administration. First Vice-President of the Union 
League of America. Prominent lecturer and philanthropist. 
Warm friend of Garfield, Blaine, Greeley, Fenton and Thur- 
low Weed. 




49. CHARLES WATSON GODARD. 
1856. 
1 1. frn.n life bv B Grey, Bloomington, 111., and 



No. 49. CHARLES WATSON GODARD. 637 

1856. 

(Continued from No. 45.) 
1856. 



Mayor William Parmelee's funeral attended by a vast concourse of 
sorrowing friends, members of the bar, political officers and 
those who had been connected with him by those institutions 
with which he had been associated, despite a blinding snow- 
storm, March 19, 

Tannery on lower Broadway destroyed by fire, loss $16,000, 

March 20. 

Albany Morning Express discontinued, March 22. 

Albany Daily Statesman, advocate of "American " party, started, 

March 24. 

Gorham A. Worth, former cashier of Mechanics & Farmers' Bank 
and author of " Random Recollections of Albany," aged 73 
years, dies in New York city, April 3. 

Ice moves from before city front, April 4. 

At the Charter election, held to fill the office of Mayor, William 
Parmelee having died on March 15th, the count showed Dr. 
John V. P. Ouackenbush had 20 votes more than Eli Perry, 
but notice of contest given, April 8. 

Hudson River Bridge Co. incorporated, April 9. 

Legislature adjourns, April 9. 

River open to navigation, official record, April 10. 

Wadsworth Lodge, No. 417, instituted. 

Joseph Fry, prominently known as the publisher and collaborator 
of the first Albany City Directory (1813), born at East Green- 
wich, R. L, in 1774, and came to this city in 1796, where two 
years later he joined with Solomon Southwick in publishing 
the Albany Chronicle ; but gaining most of his competence from 
tobacco business, dies, April ii. 

Recent charter election declared fraudulent, and an indignation 
meeting is held in the " Old " Capitol, followed in the evening 
by a meeting of the Common Council at which the returns of 
the 7th and 8th wards are asserted to be fraudulent, and the 
Board votes 1 1 to 9 that Eli Perry is elected mayor, April 14. 

Normal school elects David H. Cochrane its (4th) principal, suc- 
ceeding S. B. Woolworth. 



638 CHARLES WATSON GODARD. No. 49. 

1856. 



Albany Evening Times (Dem.) founded by Stone & Co., April 21. 

Common Council elects Charles Watson Godard Mayor of Albany 

to fill the unexpired term of the late William Parmelee, 

April 28. 

Common Council (newly elected board) elects Dr. John V. P. 

Quackenbush to be ]\Iayor ; but as the previous Board had 

chosen Eli Perry, the city was in a quandary with its two 

mayors. . Alay 6. 

• • • 

fSee No. 48.) 



No. 50. 

(Btxiv^t ^omtll ®l)arl|^r. 



May 1, I860 — May 5, 1862. 

* * -;{- 

May 1, 1866 — May 5, 1868. 

-jfr * # 

May 6, 1870 — May 6. 1872. 
May 7, 1872— Jan. 28, 1874. 



No. 50. 
GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 

Date of office: (a) May i, 1860-May 5, 1862. 

(b) May i, 1866-May 5, 1868. 

(c) May 6, 1870-May 6, 1872. 

(d) May 7, 1872-January 28, 1874. (resigned). 
Date of election: (a) April 10, i860. 

(b) April 10, 1866. 

(c) April 12, 1870. 

(d) April 9, 1872. 
Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: (a) 4,825. 

(b) 5,600. 

(c) 7,221. 

(d) 0.588. 

Opponent: (a) John Taylor, (aa) Hiram Perry. 

(b) Robert EI. Pruyn. 

(c) Edmund L. Judson, (cc) John Fair. 

(d) Edmund L. Judson, (dd) John McCarty. 
Political party: (a) Republican. 

(b) Republican. 

(c) Republican. 

(d) Republican. 

Vote: (a) 4,090, (aa) 334, blank and scattering 19. 

(b) 4,867, blank and scattering 18. 

(c) 5-983. (cc) 489- 

(d) 6.387, (dd) 2,157. 
Total vote: (a) 9,268. 

(b) 10,485. 

(c) 13,693. 

(d) 15,132- 
Date of birth: June 4, 1818. 
Place of birth: Hornellsville, N. Y. 

Parents: Samuel Olney (T.) and Martha Hornell. 

Education: Academic; Union, '43. 

Married to: Ursula Jane Boyd. 

Date: Schenectady, June 15, 1843. 

Children: John Boyd (Mayor, 1886). George Hornell. 

Residence: No. 729 Broadway. 

Occupation: Car-wheel manufacturer. 

Religion: Presbyterian. 

Date of death: February 5, 1887. 

Place of death: St. Augustine, Fla. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Came to Albany in 1849. Alderman, 1859. School No. 

14 completed, 1861. Work begun on New York Central 

Maiden Lane bridge, May, 1870; opened 1872; 22 piers; 

length, 2,665 feet. School No. 15 completed, 1871. School 

No. II completed, 1873. 




50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 
1860-62; 1866-68; 1870-74. 
From a photograph made from life by J. N. McDonnald, and owned in 1904 
by his son. Hon. John Boyd Thacher. 



No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 64I 



1860. 



(Continued from No. 48.) 
1860. 



George Hornell Thacher is sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having 
been elected at a charter election held April loth, when he re- 
ceived 4,825 votes as the Democratic candidate, his opponent, 
John Taylor, receiving 4,090 votes as the Republican candi- 
date ; Hiram Perry receiving 334 votes ; blank and scattering, 
19 votes; total number of votes cast, 9,268; Thacher's major- 
ity over Taylor being 735 votes. May i, 

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church consecrated, May 13. 

Weather observations started methodically by Prof. Geo. W. Hough 
at the Dudley Observatory. 13 years previous to establishment 
of the Government weather bureau at this city. May. 

Charter election, Mayor, George H. Thacher ; Common Council : 
Henry Mix, Owen Golden, L Thomas Schuyler, Michael Dele- 
hanty, H. Isaac N. Keeler, John C. Feltman, HI. Horace L. 
Emery, Philip Wendell, IV. Charles B. Redfield, James I. 
Johnson, V. Henry A. Allen, Alanson A. Sumner, VI. Thomas 
Mattimore, Terrence J. Ouinn, VII. Martin White, John 
Evers, VIII. Charles Bell, William J. Humphrey, IX. Wil- 
liam B. Brayton, George W. Luther, X. Election, April i ; 
sworn in. May i. 

Steamboat Daniel Drew (which was to run for next 20 years as a 
day boat between New York and Albany) built by Thos. CoU- 
yer, 880 tons, 251 feet long, 30 feet broad, 9^ feet deep, 
60 X 120 in. engine. 

Tenth Regiment, Col. Ira W. Ainsworth, organized. 

Co. A, Tenth battalion, organized as Albany Zouave Cadets 

June 7. 

Albany & V'ermont railroad leased to Rensselaer & Saratoga road, 

June 12. 

National Commercial bank elects Ezra Parmelee Prentice (fourth) 
president, because of death of J. L. Schoolcraft, June 13. 

Schreiber's Albany Cornet band organized. 

Tweddle Hall, site of Philip Livingston's house, opened, June 29. 

Congress street changed from Spring street, Aug. 6. 

St. Peter's Church (3rd) building consecrated, Oct. 4. 

Lord Howe's remains (believed to be) placed in foundation of St. 
Peter's church vestibule. 

Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII.) visits Albany, Oct. 16. 

River closes to navigation (ofificial record), Dec. 14. 



642 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50. 

1860-1861. 

Jephthah Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., constituted, Dec. 26. 

Co. B, of Tenth battalion, assigned from 76th to 29th Reg't, 

Dec. 26. 

Albany Zouave Cadets (Co. A) joins the National Guard and loth 

Regt., Dec. 29. 



1861. 



United Presbyterian Church, Lancaster near Eagle street, occupied, 

January. 
Albany was made notable throughout the country when, during the 
State Anti-Slavery Convention (Feb. 4 and 5, 1861) the right 
of free speech was here first vindicated. Frederick Douglass, 
Lucretia Alott, Gerrit Smith and other Abolitionists, after fail- 
ing in securing a hearing in Bufifalo and several other cities, 
decided to come here. At this time a petition was presented 
to the Mayor requesting him to use his authority to suppress 
free speech and prevent the meeting of the Abolitionists. The 
answer of the Mayor was a noble one, and closed as follows : 
" Let at least the Capital of the Empire State be kept free 
from the disgraceful proceedings which, in other localities, have 
brought dishonor upon our institutions. At all events, come 
what may, mob law shall never prevail in our good city with 
my consent and connivance, George H. Thacher, Mayor." The 
meeting was held in the Young Men's Association Hall, and a 
riot ensued ; but Mayor Thacher, with the police, drove out 
the toughs who had instigated it, and a full and peaceful hearing 
was obtained,— the first in New York State, Feb. 4. 

Grace (Epis.) church institutes first boy choir in city. 
Third Precinct police station uses dwelling. No. 799 Broadway. 
Freshet carries away three bridges leading to pier, Feb. 13 

President Lincoln welcomed as guest, Feb. 18 

Albany Evening Times united with Courier, March i 

Burgesses corps acts as escort at inaugural of Lincoln, March 4 
River open to navigation (official record), March 5 

Emerson W. Keyes appointed State superintendent of public in- 
struction, April 9. 
Charter officials holding office for one year from this date (the 
second named alderman of each ward being elected on this 
date) the mayor holding office at this time being Eli Perry; 
Common Council : Owen Golden, John Tracey, L Michael 
Delehanty, Lemuel M. Rogers, IL John C. Feltman, John W. 
Harcourt, IIL Philip Wendell, William Hastings, IV. James 




ST. PETER'S CHURCH — INTERIOR. 

This is the interior of the 3rd edifice as originally constructed ; 
length, 136 ft.; breadth, 68 ft.; height, 64 ft.; Rev. Thos. C. Pitkin, 
rector; first service herein, Sept. i6th and consecrated Oct. 4, i860. 



No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 643 



1861. 



I. Johnson, Erastus Corning, Jr., V. Alanson A. Sumner, 
Samuel Anable, VI. Terrence J. Quinn, Edward Mulcahy, 
VII. John Ewrs, Patrick M'. McCall, VIII. WilHam J. 
Humphrey, John PhilHps, IX. George W. Luther, Joseph T. 
Rice, X. Election of April 9. 

Departure of 25th Regt. for Washington, April 22. 

Firemen engaging in military duty granted full pay durmg ab- 
sence, ' April 23. 
Bank of Albany fails through unsettled state of the country and 
stagnation of business, surprising everyone, May 11. 
Burgesses corps leave for seats of war on first call. 
Failures of Bank of the Capital, Bank of Interior, and National 
Bank, May. 
Col. Ephraim Elmer Ellsworth (b. Mechanicville, N. Y., April 21. 
1837, and well-known as a young man of spirit at Albany j 
having been to Chicago as a patent solicitor, he accompanied 
Lincoln to Washington in March, and imbued with his patrio- 
tism, organized in April a company of firemen which he styled 
Zouaves (known as the nth New York Regiment), and de- 
parting with these for the scene of conflict he was among the 
first to participate in the struggle for emancipation. On May 
24. 1861, at Alexandria. Va., seeing a Confederate flag flying 
from the roof of the Alarshall House, he ascended to remove it, 
and while coming down the stairs with it in his arms was shot 
in the left breast (as to be seen in his lon^ army coat preserved 
in the Bureau of Army Relics in the Capitol, 1906) by the 
proprietor, James T. Jackson, and died. His body was sent 
on for burial at his native town, and reached Albany on the 
steamboat Francis Skiddy at 4:30 a. m.. accompanied by the 
delegation of firemen that had been sent from this city to escort 
the remains here. At the wharf it is met by a military pro- 
cession numbering 2,000 soldiers under Ma j -Gen. John Tayler 
Cooper, who escort the casket to the (old) Capitol at the head 
of State St., where it remains until 9 o'clock. The procession 
then reforms, the body is escorted through the streets with 
funeral dirges playing, is placed aboard the Troy boat, and 
from that city taken to Mechanicville for burial. May 27. 
Steamboat Mary Powell of the New York & Newburgh line 
(yearly plying to Albany) built by AI. S. Allison, 983 tons, 
260 X ^4 X 10 feet, 72 X 144 in. engine, many years the record 
boat of the river. 
Co. D organized as Co. D of loth Regiment, July 2. 
Steamboat James W. Baldwin built by M. S. Allison. 710 tons, 
242 X 34 X 9 feet, 60 X 132 in. engine. 



644 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50. 

1861-1862, 1866. 

Henr)^ H. Van Dyke appointed State superintendent of banks, 

Aug. 16. 
School No. 14 completed. 

Robert Hewson Pruyn appointed U. S. Minister to Japan by Presi- 
dent Lincoln September. 
De Witt Clinton Council No. 22, R. & S. M., instituted. 
Ladies' Army Relief Association organized, November. 
Albany City Curling club incorporated. 
River closes to navigation (official record), Dec. 28. 



1862. 



First fire-engine bought was the McQuade. 

Internal Revenue office established at Albany. 

Burgesses corps move to Bleecker hall (No. 527 Broadway) as 

armory. 
Recording barometer (first in the world) invented by Prof. Geo. 

Washington Hough, director of Dudley Observatory. 
River open to navigation (official record), April 3, 

Anshe Emeth (Hebrew) Cemetery opened. 
Eli Perry elected the 48th Mayor of Albany at a Charter election, 

receiving 5,635 votes as the Democratic candidate ; George W. 

Luther receiving 3,146 votes as the Republican candidate; 

blank and scattering, 40 votes; total number of votes cast, 

8,821 ; Perry's majority over Luther being 2,489 votes he is 

declared elected, April 8. 

Hudson River Day Line established. 
Enlargement of the Erie canal completed. 

Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad Co. chartered, April 15. 

• • • 
(See No. 48.) 



(Continued from No. 48.) 
1866. 



George Hornell Thacher sworn as Mayor of Albany, having been 
elected at a Charter election held on April loth, at which he 
received 5,600 votes as the Democratic candidate ; his oppo- 
nent, Robert Hewson Pruyn receiving 4.867 votes as the Re- 
publican candidate; blank and scattering, 18 votes: total 




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No. 50. 



GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 645 



1866-1867. 



number of votes cast, 10,485 ; Thacher's majority over Pruyn 
being 733 votes, ^^^ ^• 

Charter election, Mayor, George Hornell Thacher ; Common 
Council: Timothy SuUivan, Michael Murphy, I. Thomas 
Mulhall, Thomas Farrell, II. John C. Ward, William H. Tay- 
lor, III. H. D. Burlingame, William M. Gregory, IV. 
John N. Parker, Peter Carmichael, V. William Dalton, Lemon 
Thomson, VI. Andrew Kean, Bartholomew Judge, VII. 
Charles T. Shepard, James D. Walsh, VIII. Richard Barhydt, 
Borden H. Mills, IX. John B. Sturtevant, Edmund L. Judson, 
X. Election, April 10; sworn in, May i. 

Merchants' Union Express Co. organized by Albanians. 

Steamboat Drew of People's line built by John Englis of New 
York, 2,902 tons, 336X.47X 10 feet, Sox 168 in. engine. 

Anti-rent war necessitates militia in Knox, July. 

Mutual Boat Club wins from the Atalantas of New York city, at 
Albany, J^^X ^^■ 

Anti-rent troubles, loth Regt. called out, July 18. 

iDean Richmond dies, ^^g- ^7- 

Burgesses corps banquet President Andrew Johnson at Congress 
Hall. Aug- 30. 

Horse-cars first run on No. Pearl street, _ Sept. 17. 

Fourth Presbyterian Church (w. side Broadway) dedicated, 

Sept. 18. 

Mastodon found in a pot-hole by excavators at Harmony Mill, 
Cohoes, September. 

Albany Railway elects Abraham Van Vechten (first) president, 

Oct. II. 

V\/heat selling at $3.45 per bu., Nov. i. 

River closed to navigation (official record), Dec. 15. 



1867. 



First Police Precinct occupied rented dwelling on Arch street until 

Jan. I. 
First Police Precinct station No. 59 So. Ferry street, purchased by 

city. 
Gen. Geo. W. Cole shoots fatally H. L. Hiscox, of Syracuse (mem- 
ber of Constitutional Convention) in corridor of Stanwix Hall, 
for alienation. J^"- 4- 

Dr. Howard Townsend (school commissioner), age 43, dies, 

Jan. 16. 



646 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50. 

1867. 

Rev. William Croswell Doane, of Hartford, Conn., accepts rector- 
ship of St. Peter's Church, Jan. 23. 

Lew Benedict Post, No. 5, G. A. R., (Morgan L. Filkins, Com.), 
formed, Jan. 30. 

Jackson Association (Dem. club) formed. 

Ilomcopathic Free Dispensary opened. 

River opened to navigation (official record), March 23. 

Charter election at which the newly elected officials are the first 
named aldermen in each ward — • Mayor, George H. Thacher ; 
Common Council : Timothy Sullivan, Michael Murphy, I. 
Thomas Mulhall, Thomas Farrell, II. Nehemiah Osborn, Wil- 
liam H: Taylor, III. Adam Cook, William M. Gregory, IV. 
John N. Parker, Peter M. Carmichael. V. Abraham A. Wem- 
ple. Lemon Thomson, VI. Oscar L. Hascy, Bartholomew 
Judge, VII. George E. Latham, James D. Walsh, VIII. 
Robert Lenox Banks, Borden H. Mills, IX. John B. Sturte- 
vant, Edmund L. Judson, X. Election, April q 

New York State bank elects Franklin Townsend its (4th) presi- 
dent, on death of Rufus H. King. 

Steamer Drew, People's Line, starts running, April 24. 

Hudson Amateur Rowing Association organized. 

St. Agnes' cemetery incorporated. May 9. 

St. Agnes' cemetery consecrated. May iq. 

Madison avenue changed from Lydius street, May 20. 

Constitutional Convention, June. 

John M. Trimble, owner of Academy of Music (Leland) dies, 

June 7. 

Madison place, Eagle to Philip, changed from Madison avenue, 

July I. 

Jacob II. Ten Eyck elected president of Albany Savings bank, be- 
cause of death of Rufus H. King, declined, and Harmon Pum- 
pelly elected, July- 

Name of Rowery changed to Central avenue, July 15. 

St. I\Iary's Church (its third edifice, and the first time fronting on 
Lodge street), corner-stone laid, Aug. 11. 

Fire (paid) Department instituted, Sept. i. 

Academy of Music (later Trimble, Leland, Proctor's) opened by 
daughter of John M. Trimble (who dies June 7, 1867), 

Sept. 2. 

Normal School elects Joseph Alden its (^th) principal, succeeding 
O. C. Arey (who had begun to serve in 1864). 

Fourth Presbyterian Church, west side of Broadwav, dedicated, 

Sept. 18. 




"ANGEL AT THE SEPULCHRE." 

This work of art in marble has been greatly admired and is one of America's 
noted pieces of statuary. Sculptor Erastus D. Palmer completed it April 29, 1867, 
and it was placed on the lot of Gen. Robert Lenox Banks in Rural Cemetery. 



No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 647 



1867-1868, 1870. 



Aibany Musical Ass'n ( T. S. Lloyd, Cond., John B. Marsh, Pres.) 
organized, Sept. 30. 

N. Y. State National bank elects Franklin Townsend its (4th) pres- 
ident, Oct. 28. 

Common Council votes 815,000 for fire alarms, December. 

River closed to navigation (official record), Dec. 9. 

Amos Dean, orisfinator of the Young: Alen's Association and its 



1868. 



first president ( b. Barnard, Vt, Jan. 16, 1803), dies, Jan. 26. 

Academy of Music (afterwards Trimble Opera Blouse, then Leland 
Opera House and Proctor's Theatre in 1906) burned to ground 
excepting the front wall, Jan. 27. 

Proposals advertised for City Building on So. Pearl street. 

March 16. 

River opened to navigation (official record), March 20. 

John G. White's big malt-house, north side Bludson avenue, 
burned, March 23. 

Charles Edward Bleecker elected the 51st Mayor of Albany at a 
Charter election, receiving 6,979 votes as the Democratic can- 
didate, his opponent, John N. Parker, receiving 4,143 votes as 
the Republican candidate ; blank and scattering, 28 votes ; total 
number of votes cast, 11,150; Bleecker's majority over Parker 
being 2,836 votes, he is declared elected mayor, April 14. 

Erastus Dow Palmer, Albany's famous sculptor, completes his 
statue entitled " Angel of the Sepulchre " for the Rural Ceme- 
tery lot of Gen. Robert Lenox Banks, April 29. 
• • • 
(See No. 51.) 



(Continued from No. 51.) 
1870. 



George Hornell Thacher sworn as Mayor of Albany, having been 
elected at the Charter election held on April 12th, when he 
received 7,221 votes as the Democratic candidate, his opponent, 
Edmund L-ewis Judson, receiving 5.983 votes as the Republi- 
can candidate ; John Fair receiving 489 votes ; total number of 
votes cast, 13,693; Thacher's majority over Judson being 1,238 
votes. May 6. 

]\Iayor given the power to veto. 



648 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50. 

1870-1871. 

Home of the Friendless (n. e. cor. Clinton ave. and Perry st.) dedi- 
cated (May 5) previous day, May 6. 

Charter election, Mayor George Hornell Thacher; Common 
Council : John Burke, I. James H. Simmons, II. James 
Quinn, III. John Stuart, IV. Matthew Quinn, V. Royal 
Bancroft, VI. John N. Parker, VII. James Morris, VIII. 
Terrence J. Quinn, IX. John Loughlin, X. William B. Scott, 
XI. James Allen, XII. Albert C. Judson, XIII. Charles Sen- 
rick, XIV. Benjamin V. Z. Wemple, XV. Cornelius Hill, 
XVI. Philip Fitzsimons, William M. Van Antwerp, Robert 
H. Moore, John Evers, aldermen-at-large ; Philip Fitzsimons 
(alderman-at-larg-e), president. Election, April.12; sworn in, 

May 6. 

City limits reduced from Dongan Charter limitations (16 miles 
westward) to 4^4 miles from the river. 

Young Men's Asso'n moves from Commercial Bank building to 
Martin Hall. 

Sunday Press first issued. May 15. 

Cabbage-worms first found here by State Entomologist J. A. Lintner. 

Washington park construction begun, July. 

Hudson avenue paved with wooden blocks, Broadway to Willett 
street. 

Green street paved with wooden blocks, State street to Madison 
avenue. 

Lew O. Morris Post, No. 121, G. A. R. (Geo. H. Treadwell com- 
mander) organized, Aug. 21. 

Fire steamer No. 6 has runaway down Hudson avenue and plunges 
into river, but driver Andrew McGraw rescued, Sept. 2. 

Albany Academy elects Merrill Edwards Gates, LL. D., L. H. D., 
Ph. D., its ninth principal. 

Oscar David Robinson succeeds John Edwin Bradley as principal 
(the 2nd) of the Albany High School. 

Boston & Albany railway chartered, Nov. 2. 

Beverwyck Lodge, No. 261, I. O. O. F., instituted, Dec. 9. 

River closed to navigation (official record), Dec. 25. 



1871. 



Charter officials holding office this year (not resultant of an election 
this year) — Mayor, George H. Thacher; Common Council: 
John Burke, I. James H. Simmons, II. James Quinn, HI. 
John Stuart, IV. Matthew Quin, V. Royal Bancroft, VI. 
John N. Parker, VIT. James Morris, VIII. Terrence J. Quinn, 



No. 50. GEORGE nORNELL THACHER. 649 



1871. 



IX. John G. Bitrch, X. William B. Scott, XI. James Allen, 
XII. Albert C. Judson, XIII. Charles Senrick, XIV. Ben- 
jamin V. Z. Wemple, XV. Cornelius Hill, XVI. Robert H. 
xMoore, William M. Van Antwerp, John Evers, Philip Fitz- 
simons. at-large ; Philip Fitzsimons (at-large), president. In 
office on, Jan. i. 

Martin Hall (theatre), n. w. cor. State and Pearl streets, completed. 

Broadway changed from Troy road, Feb. 13. 

No. Pearl street. North Albany, changed from No. Pearl avenue, 

Eeb. 13. 

Genesee street changed from Watervliet avenue, Feb. 13. 

Mohawk street changed from Hudson River avenue, Feb. 13. 

Emmet street changed from Broadway avenue to Laughlin, 

Feb. 13. 

Albany street changed from Albany avenue, Feb. 13. 

Martin Hall opened by Burgesses corps ball, Feb. 21. 

Martin Hall's first performance, benefit of Frank Lawlor, Alarch 2. 

St. Agnes' School incorporated, March. 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 13. 

Weed, Parsons & Co. printing house burned (loss $500,000), 

April 7. 

Home Savings bank chartered, May 4. 

St. Agnes' School building, north side Elk street, commenced, 

Alay 8. 

Local board of steamboat inspectors established. 

Germans celebrate peace after defeat of French (Friedens Fest), 
Wm. Schneider grand marshal, 25th and loth regiments in 
line, May 29 

St. Agnes' School corner-stone laid, June 19 

Capitol corner-stone laid, June 24 

Albany Savings bank separated from National Commercial bank 
Henry H. Martin made treasurer, July i 

Dr. Barent PhiHp Staats (ex-Mayor) dies, July 9 

Washington park " burial ground " part opened. 

First Lutheran Church (4th edifice), n. w. cor. Pine and Lodge 
streets, built. 

N. Y. Encampment, No. 58, I. O. O. F. instituted Aug 23. 

Board of Public Instruction elects Charles P. Easton its (3rd) 
president (succeeding G. W. Carpenter of 1869). 

School No. 15 completed. 

Sixth Presbyterian Church erected. Second street. 

State Fair, the 31st (Richard Church, Pres.) at Albany (4th time). 
River closed to navigation (official record), Nov. 29. 



650 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50. 

1871-1872. 

Monument erected over the grave of Gen. Philip Schuyler in the 
Rural Cemetery by his granddaughter, Mrs. Miller (daughter 
of Cornelia Schuyler) and Washington Morton, a granite shaft 
36 feet high. 

First train crosses Maiden Lane railroad bridge, Dec. 28. 



1872. 



Homeo*pathic Hospital chartered. 

People's Gaslight Co. organized. 

Corning Foundation for Christian Work incorporated., Feb. i. 

Citizens' Steamboat Line of Troy formed, February. 

Nilsson sings " Lucia " at Martin Hall, February. 

Hudson avenue changed from Hudson street, formerly Buffalo, 

March 4. 

Martin Hall damaged by fire, March 11. 

Federal building authorized by Act of Congress, March 12. 

River opened, March 2"/. 

Erastus Corning (ex-mayor) dies, April 8. 

G. H. Thacher elected Mayor (contest by Judson), April 9. 

Albany Gaslight Co. (capital $1,000,000) establishes works on Troy 
Road (re-incorporated 1880), incorporated. April. 

Greenbush. or South Ferry st. bridge authorized by Act of April 18. 

Troy to West Troy bridge authorized by Act of April 23. 

• • • 

George H. Thacher sworn a fourth time as Mayor, May 7. 

Charter election, Alayor, George Hornell Thacher ; Common 
Council: George Krank, L Robert H. Moore, IL William 
Casey. HL Thomas Mulhall, IV. Richard Bortle, V. David 
N. Glazier, VL H. S. Van Santford, \\\. Philip Matti- 
more, VHP John G. Burch, IX. James A. Fahy, X. Robert 
Aspinall, XI. Thomas Cavanaugh, XII. Townsend Fondey, 
XIII. Royal Bancroft, XIV. Joseph McCann, XV. Albert M. 
Brumaghim, XA'^I. John G. Burch. (IXV president. Election, 
April 9; sworn in, ]\Iay 7. 

]\Iountaineer Lodge, No. 321, I. O. O. F., instituted. May 14. 

William H. DeWitt presents $10,000 to Albany City hospital. 

Homeopathic Hospital (No. 123 North Pearl street) opened. 

Albany Fire Protectives organized. lune. 

Washington Park opened, Wm. S. Egerton made superintendent. 

Fire in car-shops at West Albany, loss $100,000. July 6. 

N. Y. Central railroad lavs four tracks during summer. 




SAINT AGNES' SCHOOL. 

This boarding and day school for girls on Elk St., accommodates no boarders. 
It was founded in 1870 ; cornerstone was laid by Bishop Doane on June 19, 1871 ; 
incorporated March 14, 1871 ; building occupied Hallowe'en, 1872. 



No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 65 1 

1872-1873. 



Amos Pilsbury, superintendent of penitentiary, July 14. 

John G. Treadwell appointed first superintendent of school buildings. 
Martin Hall reopened (after March 11 fire) by John E. Owens, 

Aug. 15. 
Charlotte Cushman plays at Martin Hall, fall of year. 
Martin Hall becomes Martin Opera House (Gen. John S. Dicker- 
man, manager) . 
Union depot at Montgomery and Steuben streets opened, Oct. 6. 
Unconditional (Rep.) club organized. 

Waterford bank robbery, $308,000 stolen, Oct. 14. 

St. Agnes' School formally opened, Hallowe'en. 
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 10 



1873. 



John A. Dix becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Charter officials holding office at this time for the year — Mayor, 

George H. Thacher; Common Council: George Krank, I. 

Robert H. Moore, II. William Casey, III. Thomas Mulhall. 

lA^ Richard Bortle, V. David N. Glazier, VI. H. S. 

Van Santford, VII. Philip Mattimore, VIII. John G. Burch, 

IX. James A. Fahy, X. Robert Aspinwall," XI. Thomas 

Cavanaugh, XII. Townsend Fondey. XIII. Royal Bancroft, 

XIV. Joseph McCann, XV. Albert M. Brumaghim, XVI. 

John G. Burch (IX), president. Holding office, " Jan. i. 
Constitutional Convention assembles, January. 

Post-office opened, e. side North Pearl street s. of Columbia street. 
Fifth Police Precinct established (Central ave. above Perry st.). 
Second avenue changed from Whitehall Road, ' Jan. 20. 

Third avenue changed from Van Vechten street, Jan. 20. 

Fourth avenue changed from Nucella street. Jan. 20. 

William Cassidy, editor of The Argus, dies, Jan. 23. 

Daniel Manning made president of Argus Co. (death of William' 

Cassidy). 
Adelphi Literary Ass'n (Adelphi club later) organized, fan. 26. 
Charles Edward Bleecker (ex-mayor) dies, Jan. 31. 

Adelphi club engages rooms on South Pearl street. 
American Express Co. formed from Merchants' Union Express Co 

of Albany, ^^^.^ 

Burgesses Corps participate in Grant's second inaugural, March 4. 



652 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50. 

1873-1874. 



Board of Underwriters incorporated, March 20 

River open to navigation (Government record), April 14. 

Albany Medical College becomes part of Union University, April. 

Albany Yacht Club (31st recorded in United States) organized at 
No. 12 James street (S. G. Paine, Jr., Commodore), April 16. 

Legislative exercises in memory of Wm. H. Seward, C. F. Adams 
the orator, April 18. 

Washington Park lake excavated. 

Third Division Rilie Association organized. 

Engineers determine on the Hudson river as available water supply. 

United Irishmen of America organized in Albany. 

Albany Mutual }3enefit Ass'n organized. 

W. C. T. U. branch organized in Albany. 

Board of Public Instruction elects Addison A. Keyes its (4th) presi- 
dent (succeeding C. P. Easton of 1871). 

State Fair, the 33rd (Benj. F. Angel, Pres.), held at Albany (5th 
time). 

Sylvanus H. Sweet elected State engineer and surveyor, Nov. 4. 

Trimble Opera House (Leland later) leased from the Lelands by 
John W. Albaugh. 

Gen. J. Meredith Read named U. S. minister plenipotentiary to 
Greece, November. 

Judge and Mrs. Rufus W. Peckham, Sr., drowned at sea on sinking 
of the steamship Ville de Havre, following a collision, Nov. 22. 

Trimble Opera House named Leland Opera House, and managed by 
Aaron Richardson, Nov. 26. 

Weather service established at Albany officially at Dudley Observa- 
tory (Prof. Alois Donhauser, forecaster), Dec. 22. 

River closed temporarily, Dec. 22. 



1874. 



Albany Caledonian Club organized, January. 

Mayor George H. Thacher resigns, Jan. 28. 

River closed to navigation (official record), Jan. 30. 

Albany Medical College Alumni Asso'n organized, Jan. 20. 

River opened to navigation, shortest season. 51 days, March 21. 

Lowenstein hanged for the murder of Weston. April 10. 

Edmund Lewis "judson elected Mayor of Albany at a Charter elec- 
tion held on April 14th, receiving 8,762 votes as the Republican 
candidate, his opponent, Thomas McCarty, receiving 7.270 
votes as the Democratic candidate ; John C. Feltman receiving 





# H II 




1 1 1 







FEDERAL BUILDING. 

Post-Office opened in Exchange Building, this site, Feb. 
23, 1840 ; new office authorized March 12, 18^2, hence it left 
this site in 1873 ; building razed Dec. i, 1875 ; the M. and F. 
Bank, bought March 3. 1873, for part of site ; Italian Renais- 
sance ; cost $627,148 ; Post-Office moved in Jan. i, 1884. 



No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 653 



1874. 



58 votes as the American People's candidate ; total number of 
votes cast, 16,090; Judson's majority over McCarty being 1,492 
votes, ' April 14. 

Troops sent from Albany to protect Catskill jail from angry mob, 
murderer Joseph Waltz having killed his keeper (Ernst) previ- 
ous day to his execution on forenoon of April 30. 



(See No. 52.) 




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No. 51. 

QIIfarbH Eimari llk^rkm 



May 6, 1866 — May 5, 1870 



No. 51. 
CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER. 

Date of office: May 6, 1868-May 5, 1870. 

Date of election: April 14, 1868. 

Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: 6,979. 

Opponent: John N. Parker. 

Political party: Republican. 

Vote: 4,143, blank and scattering 28. 

Total vote: 11,150. 

Date of birth: July 15, 1826. 

Place of birth: Albany. 

Parents: Gerrit V. S. (B.) and .Margaret Van Der Voort. 

Edncation: Albany Boys' Academy. 

Married to: Grace Strover. 

Date: Schuylerville, July 15, 1857. 

Children: None. 

Residence: Delavan Hotel. 

Occupation: Wine merchant. 

Religion: Dutch Reformed. 

Date of death: January 31, 1873. 

Place of death: No. 736 Broadway. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Alderman (sixth ward). Planned W^ashington Park. 
Masters Lodge. Albany Burgesses Corps. Albany Jackson 
Corps. \'eto power conferred on the IMayor in 1869. 




51. CHARLES EDWARD ELEECKER. 
1868-1870. 
From an oil painting made from life, and owned in 1903 by his sister, Mrs. 
Jacob H. Ten Eyck. 



No. 51. CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER. 657 



1868. 



(Continued from No. 50.) 
1868. 



Charles Edward Bleecker sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having 
been chosen at the Charter election held on April 14th, when 
he received 6,979 votes as the Democratic candidate; his op- 
ponent, John N. Parker, receiving 4,143 votes as the Republican 
candidate; blank and scattering, 28 votes; total number of 
votes cast, 11,150; Bleecker's majority over Parker being 2,836 
votes, May 6. 

Charter election. Mayor, Charles Edward Bleecker; Common 
Council: Timothy Sullivan, Plugh McCann, I. Thomas Mul- 
hall. Alexander Kennedy, II. Nehemiah Osborn, Jonathan B. 
Herrick, III. Adam Cook, Charles D. Mills, IV. John N. 
Parker, George Evans, V. Abraham A. Wemple. James E. 
Walker, VI. Oscar L. Hascy, IMichael Lyman, VII. George 
E. Latham. Michael S. McGue, VIII. Robert Lenox Banks, 
Adam W. Smith, IX. John B. Sturtevant, Charles G. Craft, X. 
Election, April 14; sworn in. May 6. 

Centre Market on west side of So. Pearl st., demolished to form 
site for City Building, s. w. corner of So. Pearl and Howard 
sts. 

Dr. Charles H. Peck of this city made N. Y. State Botanist. 

James Edwards, an able lawyer, dies, May 21. 

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, IV., (b. 1789) the last Patroon and 
resident of the Manor House (excepting his widow and family) 
dies there. May 25. 

St. Vincent's asylum opened on Elm street, for girls. 

Fire alarm telegraph system instituted, 75 boxes, June i. 

West street changed from DeWitt st., June i. 

Seventeen-year locusts appear. 

Peter Caggcr (able lawyer) dies, July 6. 

Gen. T- Meredith Read named consul-general at Paris (and remains 
during two sieges of that city). 

Albany Railway elects Henry Crandall (second) president, Aug. i. 

Albany Jackson Guard (Dem. political club) organized (Capt. James 
Macfarlane), Aug. 13. 

Charles Loring Elliot (eminent artist) dies, Aug. 25. 

St. Patrick's (R. C.) Church consecrated, Aug. 30. 

Albany Free Academy opens in Van Vechten hall ( n. side of State 
near Eagle street) with John E. Bradley its principal, and four 
teachers, Sept. i. 



658 CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER. No. 5I. 



1868-1869. 



Albany Academy elects Rev. Abel Wood, A. ^I., its 8th principal. 

Congregational Church corner-stone laid, Sept. 22. 

Episcopal Diocese of Albany set ofif from New York Diocese at the 
convention held in New York city, Bishop Horatio Potter 
presiding, September. 

Broadway wood-paving begun, Sept. 30. 

Unconditional Republican Club formed. 

Benjamin F. Butler, former law partner of Alartin Van Buren at 
No. 1 1 1 State street, dies, Nov. 8. 

Dana Natural History Society organized Nov. 19. 

Eintracht Singing Society organized, Nov. 19. 

Convention of Episcopal Church assembles at St. Peter's Church 
to elect a bishop of the newly formed diocese, Dec. 2. 

William Croswell Doane, (b. Boston on March 2, 1832) who had 
been instituted rector of St. Peter's Church on March i, 1867, 
elected bishop on the 9th ballot by 41 clerical and 31 lay votes, 

Dec. 3. 

River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 9. 

St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church consecrated, Dec. 20. 



1869. 



John ,T. Hoffman becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Gen. John Meredith Read appointed U. S. consul to France. 

A. & S. railroad open to Binghamton, Jan. 14. 

Rt. Rev. Wm. Croswell Doane consecrated bishop, in St. Peter's 
Church, Feb. 2. 

Sherman street changed from Sand st., Feb. 15. 

Dr. Jacob S. Mosher appointed surgeon-general by Governor Hoff- 
man. 

Burgesses Corps at Grant's first inaugural, [March 4. 

John M. Bailey appointed collector internal revenue. 

St. Mary's Church, 3rd edifice (first time facing Lodge st.) dedi- 
cated, March 14. 

River open to navigation, official record, April S- 

Charter election at which of those enumerated only the second 
named of each alderman was of this date elected — Mayor, 
Charles E. Bleecker ; Common Council : Hugh McCann, John 
Burk, I. Alexander Kennedy, Thomas Mulhall, H. Jonathan 
R. Herrick, Nehemiah Osborn, HI. Charles D. Mills, Peter 
Poland, IV. George Evans, John N. Parker, A'. James E. 
Walker, Ralph W. Thacher, Yl. Michael Lyman, Terrence J. 







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No. 51. CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER. 659 



1869. 



Quinn, VII. Michael S. McGue, William B. Scott, VIII. 
Adam W. Smith, Albert C. Judson, IX. Charles G. Craft, 
Andrew M. Combs, X. Election, April 13. 

Albany Rural Cemetery appoints Jeffrey P. Thomas (4th) super- 
intendent. 
Ash Grove Place changed from Westerlo st., May 4. 

Park commission created by act of, May 5. 

Cohoes incorporated a city, May 9. 

Maiden Lane railroad bridge authorized by act of, May 10. 

Washington Park provided for (acquiring Washington Parade 
Ground and burial ground property adjoining) by act of. 

May 5. 
Board of Lumber Dealers incorporated. 
Albany Turn Verein incorporated. 

Trinity Place changed from Davidson St., June 14. 

National Savings Bank first opened, June 28. 

State Constitutional Convention in " Old " Capitol. 
Capitol foundation stonework begun, J. V. L. Pruyn laying first 
stone, July 7. 

Broadway (Hudson ave. to Wilson st.) paved with wooden blocks 

of Canada pine. 
Christian Brothers' Academy incorporated, 
Henry B. Haswell (ist superintendent of schools) dies, 
Emmanuel Baptist Church corner-stone laid, 
Division Street Theatre opened, 
John O. Cole ( ist president of Board of Public Instruction, organ- 
ized in 1866) resigns, Oct. 4. 
Board of Public Instruction appoints John O. Cole the (2nd) super- 
intendent of schools (succeeding H. B. Haswell of 1866). 
Board of Public Instruction elects Geo. W. Carpenter its (2nd> 

president (succeeding J. O. Cole of 1866). 
Rev. Dr. William Buel Sprague (Second Presbyterian Church) re- 
tires. 
Congregational Church, cost $130,000, dedicated, Oct. 14. 

N. Y. Central and the Hudson River Road consolidated, X^ov. i. 
Schreiber's Albany Cornet Band disbanded. 

St. Peter's Hospital (Stephen Van Rensselaer's house, N. Ferry 

St.) occupied, November. 

River closed to navigation, official record. Dec. 4. 

Sixth Presbyterian Church, s. side Second st., organized, Dec. 8. 

Trimble Opera House (Leland later) formerly Academy of Music, 

and burned Jan. 2^, 1868, erected by Lucien Barnes, husband 

of Miss Trimble (and so conducted until November 26, 1873),. 

on, Dec. ^i. 



Aug. 


3- 


Aug. 


10. 


Aug. 


14. 


Oct. 


4- 



66o CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER. No. 5I. 



1870. 



1870. 

Population of Albany 69422. 

Population of New York State 4,382,759. 

Albany Law Journal established. 

Second Police Precinct station located in City Building. 

Fire alarm boxes number sixty. 

Parepa Rosa sings at Tweddle Hall, Jan. 8. 

Albany Musical Association incorporated, Feb. 19. 

Beaverwyck Rowing Club organized, Feb. 22. 

A. & S. railroad to Binghamton leased to D. & H. line, Feb. 24. 

Martin Hail (opera house) erected by George Alartin. n. w. corner 
of So. Pearl and Beaver streets. 

Rev. Anson Judd Upson installed, Second Presbyterian Church. 

Capital City Chapter, No. 242, R. A. M., instituted. 

St. Agnes' School founded. 

River open to navigation, (official record), March 30. 

Bethlehem increased by s. e. part of Albany, April 6. 

Albany News Company organized, April 11. 

George Hornell Thacher elected Mayor at the Charter election, re- 
ceiving 7,221 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent, 
Edmund Lewis Judson, receiving 5,983 votes as the Republican 
candidate ; John Fair receiving 489 votes ; total number of votes 
cast, 13.693; Thacher's majority over Judson being 1,238 votes, 
he is declared elected Mayor, April 12. 



(See No. 50.) 




<;nX^TE tTIANiRHR. 




ASSEMBLY CHAMBER. 



CAPITOL OF 1808— HOUSES. 
The old Capitol was first used Nov. i, 1808, and its fate was sealed when 
Chancellor John V. L. Pruyn placed first stone of new building on July 7,^^, 
followed by cornerstone laid on June 24, 1871 ; razed in fall of 1883. bcene 
(1874) in Senate, Lt. Gov. Wm. Dorsheimer presiding; Assembly, Speaker 
Jas. Husted presiding. 



No. 52. 



April 14, 1874 — May 1. 1876. 



No. 52. 

EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. 

Date of office: (a) April 14, 1874-May 4, 1874. 

(b) May 5, 1874-May i, 1876. 
Date of election: (a) April 9, 1872. (followed by successful court 
contest), 
(b) April 14, 1874. 
Political party: Republican. 
Vote: (a) 8,762. 
(b) 8,761. 
Opponent: (a) Tbomas McCarty, (aa) John C.'Feltman. 
(b) Thomas McCarty, (bb) John C. Feltman. 
Political party: (a) Democrat, (aa) American People's, 
(b) Democrat, (bb) American People's. 
Vote: (a) 7,270, (aa) 58. 

(b) 7,265, (bb) 195. 
Total J^ote: (a) 16,090. 
(b) 16,221. 
Date of birth: November 13, 1830. 
Place of birth: No. 134 Washington avenue. 
Parents: Ichabod (J.) and Parthenia Conde. 
Education: Albany Academy; Greylock, Williamstown, Mass. 
Married to: Martha Letitia Wright. 
Date: December 26, 1854. 

Children: (2) Albert Post, Elizabeth Wright (Griswold), 
Residence: No. 62 Jay street. 
Occupation: Flour and provision merchant. 
Religion: Episcopalian. 
Date of death: April 8, 1890. 
Place of death: No. 287 Lark street. 
Place of bnrial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 
Title: Llonorable. 

Remarks: Alderman, 1862-66. Contested election of April 9, 1872 ; 
court ruled in his favor. On resignation of George H. 
Thacher, January 28, 1874, President of Council John G, 
Burch acted until double election, April 14th. School No. 
22 completed 1874: school No. 21 completed 1875. President 
Young Men's Association. President Board of Trade. 
Master of Master's Lodge ; Grand Master of New York 
State. 




52. EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. 
I 874- I 876. 
From a photograph made from life by Horton, and owned in 1904 -by his 
daughter, Mrs. Clarence M. Griswold. 



No. 52. EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. 663 



1874. 



(Continued from No. 50.) 
1874. 



Edmund Lewis Judson is sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having been 
elected at the Charter election held on April 14th, when he 
received 8,761 votes as the Republican candidate, his opponent, 
Thomas McCarty, receiving 7,265 votes as the Democratic candi- 
date ; John C. Feltman receiving 195 votes as the American 
People's candidate; total number of votes cast, 16,221 ; Judson's 
majority over McCarty being 1,496 votes; but since April 14th 
Judson had been adjudicated Mayor in contest with Mayor G. 
H. Thacher, following the Charter election held on April 12, 
1872, Thacher nearly completing the entire term of two years 
before settlement, May 5. 

Bath-on-the-Hudson incorporated as a village, A-Iay 5. 

Trial of steam canal-boats on the Erie, City of New York and 
Baxter, proves a success, May. 

Ralph P. Lathrop appointed collector of internal revenue. 

The Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth monument unveiled at Mechanicville, 
Capt. Wm. E. Fitch of this city acting as grand marshal, the 
G. A. R. posts of Albany and Academy cadets attending and 
filling 20 cars. May 27. 

Memorial Day parade with M. H. Donovan as grand marshal, 

May 30. 

Albany County Eclectic Society organized, Robert Liston, M. D., 
elected its first president, June i. 

Chancellor Robert R. Livingston's statue completed in plaster by 
Erastus Dow Palmer (to be placed with that of Gov. George 
Clinton as the two from this state in the old Hall of Repre- 
sentatives of the capitol at Washington) and ready to be cast 
in bronze by Barbedienne at Paris (another made for the 
Court of Appeals Chamber in the capitol at Albany) , June 6. 

Albany County Bank organized. 

Dr. James MacNaughton, Albany's prominent physician, dies, Paris, 

June 12. 

Hydrophobia epidemic alarms and scientists seeking remedy, June. 

Albany Boatmen's Relief Association organized. 

Colorado potato-beetle, (Doryophora lo-lineata) first appears. 

Amoskeag fire steamer manufacturers and city engage in lawsuit 
over repairs to steamer No. 5, July 15, 

Broadway (Hudson ave. to Wilson st.) paved with granite block. 



664 EDMUND LEWIS JUDSOX. No. 52. 

1874. 



Steamboats J. B. Schuyler and G. E. \\'vnants collide at ni.cjht. 

July 28. 
Hudson avenue park plans and specifications completed. July 31. 
Ellsworth (44th. X. Y. ) \'eteran association triennial reunion. 

Aug. I. 

^Mechanics & Farmers' bank work begun by demolishing building 

corner of James and State streets, ' Aug. 3. 

Sacred Heart Church (R. C. ) founded. Aug. 5. 

^^^atervliet turnpike toll-gate ordered open until road is repaired. 

Aug. 5. 
Albany Yacht Club starts on first annual cruise to Newport. Aug. 6. 
Steamboat Dean Richmond runs aground north of \'an Wie's point 
and the Jacob Leonard removes passengers, Aug. 11. 

Perry Stove Company strike, Aug. 20. 

Interest manifested in report of investigating committee in the 
Henry W'arrl Beecher and Theodore Tilton case announced, 

Aug. 2y 
Home for aged men proposed by letter to newspaper. Aug. 29 

Beaverwyck Rowing Club wins 4-oar race at Saratoga regatta. 

Aug. 31 
G. A. R. sham battle at Fair Grounds, Aug. 31 

Beaverwyck Rowing Club welcomed by ovation and parade. Ser>t. i 
Albany ^ledical College opened by lecture by Dr. James H. Armsbv 

Sept. 2 
Beaverwyck Rowing Club wins National Regatta. Troy. Sept. 4 
Clynics inaugurated at Albany Medical College by Dr. Armsby, 

Sept. 5 

Albany Institute " field " trip on steamboat Granite State to Newport 

Nantucket and ^lartha's Mneyard. Sept. 7 

Boston & Albany railroad freight house, 20 cars and oil tanks burn, 

Chief McOuade rendering assistance with steamers 3, 4 and 5, 

Sept. 7. 
Col. John McArdle (caterer) dies, Sept. 10. 

Gen. John ^Meredith Read on return as minister to Greece, honored 
with an elaborate dinner at Delavan House, Sept. 14. 

Charles W. Reynolds (lawyer) dies, Sept. 14. 

Rev. Dwight Kellogg Bartlett becomes minister Madison Avenue 

Reformed Church. 
School No. 22 completed. 
River closed to navigation TGovernment record), Dec. 12. 




ALBANY COUXTV BUILDING. 

It was erected by the Albany Savings Bank, which entered 
it ^lay II, 1875; county bought it in i8gS, and commenced 
alterations when the b^nk removed to its new editice on No. 
Pearl St.. Apr. 25, 1899. 



No. 52. EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. 665 



1875. 



1875. 

Samuel J. Tilden becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Charter officers : Mayor, Edmund Lewis Judson ; Common Council : 

Frederick Andes, I. John G. Schneider, 11. William Casey, 

III. William H. Keeler, IV. James N. Brady, V. Robert K. 

Oliver, VI. Jacob H. Ten Eyck, VII. Philip Mattimore, VIII. 

Peter C. Lauder, IX. James A. Fahy, X. John A. Luby, XI. 

Thomas Cavanaugh, XII. William H. Bailey, XIII. John P. 

Bradt, XIV. Joseph McCann, XV. Hiram Bender, XVI. 

William Casey (III), president. Holding office, Jan. i. 

Population of the city, 86,541. 

Irish-born in Albany (by state census) number 14,184 of 86,541. 
James Martin, Jr., poet (b. Albany, Sept. 28, 1828), dies at Albany, 

Feb. 7. 
William Cullen Bryant given reception by Gov. S. J. Tilden, Feb. 8. 
Babies' Nursery founded at No. 562 Clinton avenue. 
Governor Tilden commences attack upon canal ring, March. 

American District Telegraph Co. of Albany (messenger service) 

chartered. 
John Tweddle (malt-house proprietor) dies. March 9. 

Child's Hospital opened, March 26. 

River open to navigation (Government record). April 12. 

Charles Sumner Benevolent Association organized. 
Albany loth Regiment band mustered from Capital City band. 
St. Peter's Church parish house, e. side Lodge street, erected. 
Albany Savings Bank building, w. corner State and Chapel streets 

(becoming later County building) erected at cost of $247,808.22. 
Albany railway contracts for stable on Central avenue, near Quail 

street. May 24. 

Albany County Medical Society admits Miss Mary Du Bois, June 8. 
Death of Harriet Elizabeth Bayard at the Manor House (b. 1799), 

widow of Stephen Van Rensselaer, IV. (d. May 25, 1868) the 

last Patroon, June 19. 

Albany railway operates horse-cars on Hamilton, Grand and Beaver 
streets, July 3. 

Mechanics and Farmers' Bank building, State and James, erected. 
Washington Park bridge and lake house erected. 
School No. 21 completed. 

Pumping station established at foot of Clinton avenue, first operated 

to pump river water, Sept. 14. 

New York city papers first arrive by fast mail at 8 a. m., Sept. 16. 



656 EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. No. 52, 

1875-1876. 

Mo7.art Singing' Society (Prof. Wm. Boehm, director) organized, 

Sept. 20. 
Capital City Lodge, No. 440, I. O. O. F., instituted, Sept. 23. 

Trinity (M. E.) Church corner-stone laid, n. w. corner Lark and 

Lancaster, Oct. 10. 

Albany railway elects Delavan Peck (third) president, Oct. 11. 
Board of Public Instruction elects Charles P. Easton (2nd time) its 

(5th) president (succeeding A. A. Keyes of 1873). 
Catherine Maley Cuyler, wife of Dexter Reynolds, attorney (b. Cuy- 

lerville, N. Y., Dec. 2, 1842) dies at Rochester, N. Y. (burial in 

Rural Cemetery), Oct. 23. 

Charles S. Fairchild elected State attorney-general, Nov. 2. 

National Commercial Bank elects Robert Hewson Pruyn (fifth) 

president to succeed E. P. Prentice, Nov. 24. 

George S. Dawson Post, No. 63, G. A. R. (Charles D. Rathbone. 

commander) organized, Nov. 25. 

Steamboat Sunnyside sinks, with eleven drowning, Dec. i. 

Federal building erection commenced, Dec. i. 

River closed to navigation, Dec. i. 

Ira Harris, able lawyer, dies, Dec. 2. 

Dr. James H. Armsby, founder of Albany Hospital, dies, Dec. 3. 
Cattle cars unloading at West Albany market number 24,937 of 

cattle, 3,507 of sheep, 8,455 oi hogs, 945 of horses ; total. 37,844 

cars; daily average, 103 cars, during 1875. 
Charles Sumner Benevolent Association founded Dec. 13. 

John M. Crapo's rug store robbed, Dec. 23, 

St. Peter's church tower and chimes given by George Tweddle in 

memory of his father. John (died }>larch 9, 1875) and his 

mother, Sarah Tweddle, Dec. 2c,. 



1876. 



Centennial year celebrated by midnight parade, Jan. i. 

Northern Boulevard begun (between Western and Central avenues). 

Jan. I. 

Savings banks of Albany reduce interest from 6 to 5;/, Jan. i. 

South Ferry running and first tow of year leaves for New York, 

Jan. 3. 

Legislature convenes and Governor Tilden's voluminous message is 
read, Jan. 4. 

Peter Gansevoort ('87th year) dies at his home. No. 115 Washing- 
ton avenue, Ian. 4, 




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No. 52. EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. 667 

1876. 



Dr. John V. P. Quackenbush dies. Jan. 8 

Mayor Jiidson aDpeals for subscriptions for the poor, Jan. lO 

LilHe Devereaux Blake addresses judiciary committee of Assembly 
on woman suffrage. Jan. i 

Col. A. J. Parker gives a reception for Edward Bowditch on being 
elected major of loth regiment, • Jan. 21 

Agur Wells ( 86th year ) dies, Jan. 22 

Governor Tilden, assisted by Mrs. Pelton. gives first public reception 
at Executive Mansion on Eagle street, Jan. 25 

Wallace I^ruce lectures before Y. M. A. (" Landmarks of Scotland.") 

Jan. 27 

Ex-Gov. John 'T. Hoffman lectures at Martin Hall before the Y. M 
A.. Feb. 3 

Mrs. Howard Townsend organizes movement for women to send 
magnificent state banner to Centennial at Philadelphia, Eeb. 22 

Y. M. O. ball at Martin Hall, Feb. 24 

Murderer Joseph Waltz's body exhumed on the family farm at Cats- 
kill and appeal made to Bishop ]\IcNeirney to prevent burial in 
Jefl^erson cemetery, Catskill, Feb. 28. 

Western avenue land owners appeal to park board to pave with 
granite, thoroughfare being in wretched condition, March i. 

Fifth Police Precinct station house erected at 270 Central avenue. 

River open to navigation (Government record), April i. 

Firemen's Relief Association organized, April 4. 

Anthony Bleecker Banks elected Mayor of Albany at a Charter elec- 
tion, receiving 9,377 votes as the Democratic candidate ; his 
opponent, Edmund Lewis Judson. receiving 7,912 votes as the 
Republican candidate; total number of votes cast, 17,289; 
Banks' majority over Judson being 1,465 votes, he is declared 
elected mayor, April 11. 

• Ttr • 

(See No. 53.) 




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No. 53. 



May 2, 1 876 — May 6. 1 878. 

■s- •A- ■••■ 

May 6, 1 884 — May 3, 1 886. 



No. 53. 

ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. 

Date of omcc: (a) Ma}- 2, 1876-May 6, 1878. 
(b) May 6, 1884-May 3, 1886. 
Date of election: (a) April 11, 1876. 
(b) April 9, 1884. 
Political party: Democrat. 
Vote: (a) 9,377. 

(b) 10,098. 
Opponent: (a) Etlmnnd L. Jiulson. 

(b) John Swinburne. 
Political party: (a) Republican, 
(b) Republican. 
Vote: (a) 7,912. 

(b) 9,848; scattering, 51. 
Total z'ote: (a) 17,289. 
(b) 19,998. 
Date of birth: March 7, 1837. 
Place of birth: New York, N. Y. 
Parents: David (B.) and Harriet Lloyd. 
Education: New York city schools. 
Married to: Phoebe Wells. 
Date: July 6, 1866. 

Children: (2) Harriet Lloyd (Green) and Bleecker Wells. 
Residence: No. 327 State street. 
Occupation: Publisher of law books. 
Religion: Episcopal. 
Title: General. 

Remarks: Member of Assembly, 1862. State Senator, 1868-69: 
1870-71. High school completed 1876. President Green- 
bush Bridge Co., begun 1876; length, 1,669 f^et. School 
No. 2 completed 1884. Member Constitutional Convention, 
1896. Progressed Washington Park. Cobblestone pavement 
replaced with granite block. 




S3. ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. 
1876-78; 1884-86. 
From a photograph made from Hfe in 1898 by Pirie Alacdonald, and ovvncd 
by The Albany Institute. 



No. 53- ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. 67I 



1876. 



(Continued from Xo. 52.) 
1876. 



Anthony Bleeckcr Banks sworn in as ^Nlayor of Albany, having been 
elected at the Charter election held on April nth, when he re- 
ceived 9,377 votes as the Democratic candidate, his opponent, 
Edmund Lewis Judson, receiving 7,912 votes as the Republican 
candidate; total number of votes cast, 17,289; Banks' majority 
over Judson, 1,465 votes, Alay 2. 

Charter election. Mayor, A. Bleecker Banks ; Common Council : 
George Krank, I. John G. Schneider, II. James H. Simmons. 
III. William H. Keeler, IV. Henry Van Hoesen, V. Robert 
K. Oliver. VI. Sylvanus H. II. Parsons, VII. Thomas A. 
Becket. VIII. Patrick Dillon, IX. Conrad Degen, X. John 
A. Luby, XI. Thomas Cavanaugh, XII. Christian Schurr. 
XIII. John P. Bradt, XIV. Michael J. Gorman. X\'. Pliram 
Bender, XVI. John A. Luby (XI), president. Election, April 
11; sworn in, May 2. 

Albany High School dedicated. Eagle. Columbia and Steuben streets. 

May 4. 

Rev. William Buel Sprague. D. D.. long the pastor of Second Pres- 
byterian Church and author of the 6 volumes. " Annals of the 
American Pulpit," 1857. 'b. Andover. Conn.. Oct. 16, 1795), 
dies at Flushing, N. Y., May 7. 

Albany Yacht Club organized. May. 

Third Division Rifie Ass'n, range at Forbes, chartered. 

Steamboat City of Troy, Citizens' Line of Troy, built by John Englis 
of X^ew York; 1,527 tons, 300 feet long, 36 feet broad. 10 feet 
deep, 60 X 144 in. engine. lune. 

Deed from Great Western Turnpike Road Co. to Board of Commis- 
sioners of Washington Park, conveying that portion of turnpike 
between Snipe street and Manning boulevard, dated June 15. 

Carpet-beetle, (Anthrenus scrophularioe) appears, lune. 

Prof. Lewis Boss made director of the Dudley Observatorv-. July i. 

Ezra Parmelee Prentice, banker and owner of the handsome hillside 
estate, Mount Hope, north of Kenwood, dies, July 10. 

l^.eaverwyck Rowing Club wins the Centennial International regatta, 

August. 

Lexington avenue changed from Snipe street, Sept. 4. 

State Fair, the 36th (Edwin Thorn. Pres.) held at Albany (6th 
time). 

Ten Broeck place changed from Third street, Sept. 18. 



672 ANTHONY nLI'.IUKl'-.R liANKS. No. 53. 

1876-1877. 



St. Peter's tower, ineinorinl nf John Tweddle, (ledicilt'd, Se])t. 29. 
Home for At^ed Men, Tro)- road, incori)oraU'd, Oct. 5. 

Western avenue conslrnction be^un, Nov. i6. 

Adelplir C'hil) iiio\'es from Soulli I'l'arl street to Adeli)lii I lall on 

Green street, 
("liarles P'rlelier ])la\s ;il Leland ( )i)era I louse, Nov. 22. 

Division street theatre l)nrui'd, Dec, 8. 

River closed to navit^'ation ( ( io\ernment record), Dec. lO. 

I'rinitx' (I\l. Iv ) Churcli, n. w. i.ark and Lancaster, dedicated, 

Dec. 28. 



1877. 

Lucius Uohinson (elected .\ov. 7, 1871')) inauj.;uratcd Governor, 

Jan. I. 

Charter oi'lieials holdiut;- office at tliis time for the year — Alayor, 
A. lUeecker iianks; Common Council: ( leor^e Krank, L John 
Ct. Schneider, IL James 1[. Simmons, ill. W'ilham If. Keeler, 
IV. Henry Van Hoe.sen, V. Kohert K. ( )hver, AT. Svlvanus 
II. II. Larsons, VTL Thomas A. L.ecket, \1 1 1. Latrick'Dillon, 
IX. Com-ad Dei^cn, X. [oliu A. Luhy. XL Idiomas Cava- 
nai-h, XII. Christian Schurr, XIII. 'john L. lira(U, Xl\'. 
.Michael J. Ciomian. X\'. Iliram Lender, .X\'L John A. Luhy 
(XI), president. Iloldint^' office on, Jan. 1. 

Executive IMansion ])roperty, west side of Eai^ie and south of h'lm 
street, hou.qht hy the State for Governor's residence. 

( "hilds I rosjjital o])ened in dwellinj.;', south side of Llk street, 

!'>h. T2. 

I'ahernacle La.ptisl Church, u. \v. corner Ten Lroeck street and Clin- 
lf)n avenue, dedicated, Feh. 14. 

John b\ .Smyth api)ointed Stale suiierintendent of insurance, Vc]). \(). 

Louis D. Lilshur\' appointe<l (the hrst) supcrinlendent of State 
prisons, Feh. 17. 

" Dailv Lress ' fust issueil ])\- h'arrell. Looker and ALicfarlane, 

Feb. 26. 

Charles slreel changed from Johnson alley, ALarch ^q. 

W I'sl I'jid Lreshylerian Chiu'ch dedicated. March 25. 

River opeue(l to navii^'atiou ( ( iox-crument record), March 26. 

Y. M. .\. moves from Martin I lall to s. w. corner Learl and Steuben. 

St. Aj^iies" cemetery (Peter Cas^i^er. ])res. ) incorporated. May 0. 

Arqus first issues Sunda\' edition. May 13. 




ST. PI'.TI'.R'S CHURCH T0WI«:R. 

The tower was erected in 1875-6, to the memor\' of Jolin Tweddic, a 
prominent citizen and warden, who died Mch. 9, 1875 ; designed by 
Richard M. Upjohn ; French Gothic ; height, i8o ft. ; dedicated Nov. 
I, 1876. Chimes given l)y (ico. Tweddle, Dec. 25, 1875. 



Xo. 53- ANTHONY JILKECKER UANKS. 6/3 



1877. 



Steamboat Wm. M. Whitney, of Troy line, put on. 

Steamboat Saratoga, of Citizens' Line of Troy, built by John Englis 
of New York, 1,438 tons, 300 x 36 x 10 feet, 60 x 144 in. engine. 

Post-ofifice removed from North Pearl street to north end of Dcla- 
van House, ^lay 26. 

Albany Medical College purchases Lancashire School, Eagle street. 

South Pearl street, Gansevoort street to Prentice place, changed 
from Bethlehem Turnpike, Ji-ine 18. 

Elm tree of enormous proportions, (n. w. corner State and Pearl 
streets) supposedly planted by Philip Livingston, 1735, removed 
on paving the street. 

Rifle range leased (until June. 1880) on Genet farm, Greenbush 
( Rensselaer). 

Albany Pair Grounds, on Troy Road, laid out. 

Albany Baseball Club (of no league) plays at Fair Grounds on Troy 
road. 

Railroad riots at West Albany, July 23-28 

Tenth Regiment serves at Black Rock cut. West Albany, during 
strike of Central railroad employees, July 24. 

Jackson Corps guards upper bridge during railroad riots. 

John PL Farrell buvs " The Knickerbocker " and consolidates it 
with "The Daily Press," Aug. 11. 

The Press Company buys " The Knickerbocker," -'^ug. 15. 

Albany Railway extends tracks of horse-cars on Madison avenue as 
far westward as Quail street, Oct. 10. 

Police department telephones first in operation, Oct. 15. 

Saratoga Monument coroner-stone laid on centennial anniversary of 
the surrender of Burgoyne, of rock- faced granite, 154 feet high, 
obelisk in form, 40 feet square at base, staircase to summit, 
places for four statues, one of which occupied by an equestrian 
statue of Gen. Philip Schuyler ; orators on the occasion, Hon. 
Horatio Seymour and George William Curtis. Oct. 17. 

Western avenue improvement completed, Oct. 18. 

Excessive rainfall of 7.86, local average being 3.17 in. monthly, 

October. 

" Nicky " De Freest killed by train at the Broadway crossing, 

Nov. I. 
Death of Chancellor John \'. L. Pruyn at Clifton Springs, N. Y., 
whither he had gone in October for his health. He was a man 
of rare attainments and most beneficent, born at Albany on 
June 22, 181 1, of a Dutch family resident here two centuries; 
admitted to bar Jan. 13, 1832, and forming a partnership with 
Henry H. Martin in 1833 ; appointed Regent May, 1844, serving 
33 years, and made Chancellor January, 1862, serving 15 years; 



074 ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. No. 53. 

1877-1878, 1884. 

first president State Board of Charities ; for 25 years president 
of The Albany Institute; elected (Dem.) to State senate, 1861, 
giving salary to poor; Congressman, 1863-65, 1867-69; a 
director of the first railroad. Moh. & Hud. ; drew up the articles 
consolidating several railroads to form the N. Y. Central, 1853 ; 
one of original commissioners of new Capital and laid the first 
stone, July 7, 1869; earliest public advocate of Washington 
Park; residence at No. 13 Elk st., Nov. 21. 

Unique baby show of wide interest at Tweddle Hall, Dec. 21. 

First Lieut. Horatio P. Stacpole made captain, Dec. 19. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 29. 



1878. 



John O. Cole, the first president of Board of Public Instruction and 
the second superintendent of city schools, dies, Jan. 4. 

Extra pump-engine for Prospect reservoir first operated, Feb. 6. 

Charles W. Cole (later to be superintendent of city schools) ap- 
pointed a teacher in the High School. 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 7, 

Home for Aged Men, west side of Troy road, Menands, dedicated, 

March 28. 

Michael Nicholas Nolan elected Alayor of Albany at the Charter 
election, receiving 8,916 votes as the Democratic candidate; his 
opponent, Nelson H. Chase, receiving 5,358 votes as the Inde- 
pendent Labor Democrat ; William A. Young receiving 4,540 
votes as the Republican candidate ; total number of votes cast, 
18,814; Nolan's majority over Chase being 3,558, he is declared 
elected mayor, April 9. 

• • • 

(See No. 54.) 



Continued from No. 54.) 
1884. 



A. Bleecker Banks sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having been 
elected at the Charter election held on April 9th, when he re- 
ceived 10,098 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent, 
John Swinburne, M. D., receiving 9,848 votes as the Republican 




ALL SAINTS' CATHEDRAL. 

Instituted by Rt. Rev. Wm. Croswell Doane on becoming bishop of the 
Episcopal Diocese of Albany, Feb. 2, 1869 ; service tirst held in chapel 
(n. w. cor. Elk and Hawk sts.) Nov. i, 1872 ; incorporated Mch. 2T , 1873 ; 
R. W. Gibson's plans adopted Apr. 30, 1883; land at Swan, Elk and 
Lafayette sts., valued at $80,000, given by Mayor Erastus Corning, Nov. 
28, 1883 ; cornerstone laid June 3, 1884 ; dedicated Nov. 20, 1888. 



I 



No. 53. ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. ()75 

1884. 

candidate ; blank and scattering 52 votes ; total mniiber of votes 
cast, 19,998; Banks' majority over Swinburne being 250 vote:;. 

May 6. 

Charter election. Mayor. A. Bleecker Banks ; Common Council : 
Augustus Whitman, I. Jeremiah Kieley, II. Thomas F Cor- 
coran, III. James Lyons, IV. Thomas E. Dearstyne, \'. 
Galen R. Hitt, VT. Joiin Mullon, Yll. John Judge, VHI. 
Patrick Cahill, IX. James Rooney, X. George S. Tice, XI. 
Patrick McCann. XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. David J. 
Norton, XIA'. James Thornton, XV. Richard Hunter, XVL 
John H. Adams, XVII. Norman L. Snow^, Robert H. Moore, 
(at-large) ; Norman L. Snow (at-large), president. Election, 
Anril 9 ; sworn in. May 6. 

Tweddle Building, n. w\ corner State and Pearl streets, opened as 
office building with stores opening on street, having been a hall. 

May. 

James L. Hyatt commissioned captain of Co. C (Co. K of loth Reg.). 

June 2. 

All Saints' Cathedral corner-stone laid by Bishoj) Doane at its north- 
eastern end, in presence of the Governor and officials, June 3. 

Gov. Grover Cleveland serenaded by Tenth Reg't band on night of 
his nomination at Chicago to Presidency, Julv 11. 

Companies D and K (C) of 10th Battalion participate in State camp 
service near Peekskill under Edgar V. Denison and James L. 
Hyatt, July 5-12. 

John iVlaloy, chief of police many years, dies at his home, 57 IMaiden 
Lane, July 22. 

Isaiah Page, proprietor of a large iron casting manufactorv and 
foundry on east side of Liberty street, dies at home. No. 775 
Madison avenue, J^dy 22. 

Salvation Army leases and holds its meetings at Hidley Hall, s. w. 
corner Broadway and Steuben street. Captains Osborn and Ren- 
nick, speakers, and Lieutenant Levick, cornist, at army's first 
opening in city July 2/. 

Gov. Grover Cleveland notified at Executive Mansion of his nomi- 
nation at Chicago as Presidential nominee on Democratic ticket, 
VV. F. Vilas, president of the committee, notifying, at 3 p. m., 

July 29. 

Thomas Willard appointed chief of police to succeed John Maloy. 
who died on the 22nd, July 29. 



676 ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. No. 53. 

1884-1885. 

Steamboat Eagle ( Albany & Xewburgh line ) burns to water's edge 
while bound north near Milton (built at Brooklyn in 1852, of 
338 tons), Aug. 2. 

Albany Institute secretary as delegate, invited, attends laying corner- 
stone of Bartholdi's statue of " Liberty Enlightening the 
World," on Bedloe's island, William Allen Butler (former Al- 
bany lawyer) delivering American address, Aug. 5. 

Gen. John A. Logan, on his vice-presidential (Rep.) campaign tour 
(Blaine and Logan), welcomed at depot, Aug. 11. 

Adam Van Allen (president of First National Bank) dies at his 
home (No. 40 Lancaster street), Aug. 11. 

Wheelmen's meet of considerable importance held at Island Park by 
the Albany Bicycle Club, Sept. 10. 

Ex-Secretary of State James G. Blaine, on his Presidential cam- 
paign tour, stops here for 20 minutes on way New York city 
to Ohio, and 7,000 hear him speak at depot, Sept. 24. 

Gen. Benjamin I-". Butler on campaign tour, speaks in Capitol park 
at 3 p. m., and in evening in tent erected on Hudson avenue, 

Sept. 29. 

Albany Philharmonic Society (orchestra) organized, fall of year. 

Co. K of loth Battalion changed to Co. C. 

Schuyler Mansion sold by Auctioneer Dickerman for $5,500 to Lan- 
sing Pendleton, Jr., Oct. 30. 

Gov. Grover Cleveland ( following his election as President on Nov. 
4th) serenaded at Executive Mansion, Nov. 10. 

Albany Hospital for Incurables incorporated, Nov. 14. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. ig. 



1885. 



Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not 
elected at this date — Mayor, A. Bleecker Banks ; Common 
Council: Augustus Whitman, I. Jeremiah Kieley, II. Thomas 
F. Corcoran, III. James Lyons, I\^ Thomas E. Dearstyne, V. 
Galen R. Hitt, \T. John Mullon, MI. Thomas J. Judge, VIII. 
Patrick Cahill, iX. James Rooney, X. George S. Tice, XL 
Patrick McCann, XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. David J. 
Norton, XIV. James Thornton, XV. Richard Hunter, XVl. 
John H. Adams, XVII. Norman L. Snow, Robert H. Moore, 
(at-large), Samuel C. Harris (XIII), president. Holding office 
on, Jan. i. 

Gov. Grover Cleveland resigns to become President, Jan. (). 




PRUYN ALTAR AND REREDOS. 

This is one of the works of art in the city and was placed in St. Peter's 
Church in 1885 by the late Charles Lansing Pruyn. Designed by 
Richard M. Upjohn ; figures sculptured by Louis St. Gaudens. 



No. 53. ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. 677 



1885. 



Lieut. -Gov. David 15. Tfil! becomes Governor. Jan. 6. 

Average rainfall 38.04 inches for ten years previous to this year. 

Average temperature 48.23 for ten years previous to this year. 

Steamer St. John burned at New York city, Jan. 23. 

Albany Press Club (No. 25 Beaver street) organized. 

Jackson Corps participates in inaugural parade of Cleveland, 

]March 4. 

Driven well system on Mats north of city authorized. 

Daniel Manning made secretary of treasury by Cleveland, March. 

Board of Public Instruction elects Oren E. Wilson its ( loth) presi- 
dent (succeeding P. J. Flinn of 1884). 

Hugh J. ^McDonald appointed (3rd ) superintendent of school build- 
ings (succeeding A. Sayles of 1879). 

Andrew S. Draper appointed State superintendent of public instruc- 
tion, April 6. 

" The Cue," first published by Albany Academy students ( Cuyler 
Reynolds, editor-in-chief), April 9. 

Holland Society (Albert X'ander Veer, M. D., vice-pres.) founded. 

River open to navigation (Government record), April 8. 

Ronan Towing Line started. 

Seventeen-year locusts, (Cicada-Septemdecim ). 

Albany Rifle Association (J. W. Freschknecht, pres.) organized. 

National Commercial Bank elects Robert Clarence Pruyn (seventh) 
president ( D. Planning, resigned). May 2^. 

Ridgefield Athletic Club grounds opened, June 16. 

Boardman & Gray piano factory (North Pearl street, e. side n. of 
Wilson street) burned, July 12. 

Companies A and B participate in State camp service near Peekskill 
Capts. John H. Reynolds and Horatio P. Stacpole), July 11-18. 

Gen. U. S. Grant dies in Drexel cottage on ?\ Fount MacGregor, 
Saratoga, July 2}^. 

Gen. \J. S. Grant's body in state in Capitol (Senate entrance), 

Aug. 4-5. 

State Fair, the 45th ( James W. Wadsworth, pres. ) held at Albany 
(8th time). 

Normal School building on Willett street first occupied. September. 

Albany Railway lays tracks on Lark street from Washington avenue 
to Hamilton street. November. 

River closed to navigation (Government record). Dec. 8. 

St. Peter's Church Pruyn memorial altar and reredos (angels sculp- 
tured by Louis St. Gaudens and remainder executed by Richard 
M. L^pjohn) in memory of Elizabeth AlcClintock Pruyn (died 
Dec. 20. 18S4) presented by Robert C. and Charles L. Pruyn. 



678 ANTHONY BLKECKER 15ANKS. No. 53. 

1886. 



1886. 

ITon. John A. AlcCall resigns as State superintendent of insurance 
(appointed April 23, 1883), to become on this day conijitroUer 
of Equitable Life Insurance Co. in New York, Jan. i. 

Hugh J. McDonald ( 3rd superintendent of school buildings) dies, 

Jan. 21. 

Albany Chess Club organized. February. 

Albany Press Club (John A. Sleicher, pres.) organized. March. 

Albany County Wheelmen organized, March 17. 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 27. 

Albany Savings Bank elects Joshua Howard King its (7th) presi- 
dent (succeeding Henry H. Martin of 1882), A]M-il 10. 

John Boyd Thacher elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election, 
receiving 10.510 votes as the Democratic cadidate ; his opponent, 
Edward A. Durant, Jr., receiving 8,981 votes as the Republican 
candidate ; Frederick F. Wheeler receiving 55 votes as the Inde- 
pendent candidate ; blank and scattering, 14 votes ; total number 
of votes cast, 19,560; Thacher's majority over Durant being 
1,529 votes, he is declared elected mayor, A]M-il 13. 



(See No. 56.) 




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No. 54. 



May 7, 1878 — May 3, 1 880. 
May4, 1880— May 1, 1882. 
May 2, 1882— June 24, 1883. 



Xo. 54. 
^IICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 

Dal.^ of officc: (a) Mav 7. iS/S-AIay 3, 1880. 

(b) Alay 4, 1880-May r, 1882. 

(c) May 2. 1882-June 24, 1883. (resigns). 
Date of election: (a) April 9, 1878. 

(b) April 13, 1880. 

(c) April IT, 1882. 
Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: (a) 8.916. 

(b) 12,275. 

(c) 9'339- 

Opponent: (a) Nelson 11. Cbase. ( aa ) ^^'illiam A. Young. 

(b) George A. Birch, (bb) Scattering-. 

(c) John Swinburne. ( cc ) Scattering-. 

Political party: (a) Independent Labor Democrat. ( aa ) Repub- 
lican. 

(b) Republican. 

(c) Republican. 
l^otc: (a) 5,358. (aa) 4-540. 

(b) 7,582. (bb) 31. 

(c) 9,221. (cc) 18. 
Total 7'ote: (a) 18,814. 

(b) 19,888. 

(c) 18,578. 
Dale of birtli: May 4, 1834. 
Place of birth: Carlow, Ireland. 

Parents: Lawrence (N.) aiid Anne llealey. 

Pdiication: Public schools. 

Married to: Anne Elizabeth Ouinn. 

Date: Albany. September 8, 1861. 

Children: (y) Maria Teresa (Hawke), Katharine. Anne Elizabeth 
(Ilaubold), Helen Jennings. Jane Elizabeth ( Riddle 1. Fran- 
cis Joseph, JManche Mary. 

Residence: No. 53 Ten Broeck street. 

Occupation : President Reverwvck Rrewery. 

Religion: Roman Catholic. 

Died: May 31, 1905. 

Place of burial: St. Agnes' Cemetery. 

Rentarks: School No. 17 completed, 1878. School No. 25 com- 
pleted, 1878. ■ School No. 20 conipleted, 1880. City Hall 
destroyed liy fire. Februar\- 10, 1880. School No. 8 com- 
pleted, 1 88 1. 1 'roadway viaduct imder Xcw York Central 
Railroad tracks. Congress, 1881-83. 




54- MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 
' 1878-1883. 
From a photograph made from Hfe by The Albany Art Union, and owned 
in 1904 by The Albany Institute. 



No. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 

1878. 



(Continued from No. 53.) 
1878. 



Michael Nicholas Nolan sworn as Mayor of Albany, having^ been 
chosen at the Charter election held on April 9th, when he re- 
ceived 8,916 votes; his opponent, Nelson H. Chase, receiving- 
5,358 votes as the Independent Labor Democrat; William A. 
Young- receiving 4,540 votes as the Republican candidate ; total 
number of votes cast, 18,814; Nolan's majority over Chase being 
3'558 votes, Alay 7. 

Charter election. Mayor, Michael N. Nolan ; Common Council : 
John Zimmermann, I. Thomas B. Franklin, II. William A. 
Donahoe, III. John T. Gorman, IV. Isaac Brilleman, \'. 
William Manson, VI. James McKinney, VII. James H. Han- 
nig-an, VIII. Patrick Dillon, IX. Conrad Degen, X. David 
M. Alexander. XI. Thomas Cavanagh, XII. Theodore M. 
Amsdell, XIII. William Dey Ermand, XIV. Michael J. Gor- 
man, XV. Allston Adams, XVI. Thomas Cavanagh (XII), 
president. Election, April 9; sworn in. May 7. 

Telephone " exchange " first established, with one hundred members, 
the first to have machines installed at their houses being about 
seven doctors, for up to this time it had been seen here only 
in public halls where it was shown as an object of curiosity. 

May 8. 

Agitation begun to do away with the New York Central railroad's 
crossing at Broadway near Colonic street, by the construction 
of a viaduct, this place having been rendered extra hazardous 
by the constantly increasing traffic and switching of freight, 
the route being that taken by funerals on their way to the 
Troy Road and the crossing a scene of numerous accidents and 
annoying delays. May 10. 

The end came to Prof. Joseph Henry, Albanian and America's 
greatest scientist, after about a year of illness, while living at 
his home in Washington, D. C, where he was Secretary of the 
Smithsonian Institution. His death and funeral are of national 
concern, the latter participated in by the President, his cabinet 
and all the official foreign representatives. Two weeks previ- 
ously he had said, in contemplating his illness : " I hope I 
have been able to do some good," and spoke of the amount of 
work awaiting his accomplishment. Although he had perfected 
more than one thousand actual experiments that tended to the 



682 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54. 



1878. 



world's advancement, he felt that he had accomplished but the 
half of what he felt his capable brain competent to brint;- fortii, 
and although ai^ed, of l)nt the prime of life in his endeavors. 
It is peculiar that only on April i2tlL he liad written to Mr. 
Joseph Patterson of Philadelphia about the encourasj^-ement that 
his physician had held out to him in that he hoped to be able to 
go abroad the coming summer, and then, for nine-tenths of his 
long" letter, barelv able to manipulate a pen, the uremic acid 
affecting' his limbs, he wrote as the great scientist he was, con- 
sidering the fact that his mind had solved the most wonderful 
problems of his age, his thoughts on death and a future condi- 
tion, in the following vein, so well worthy of dwelling upon : 
"We live in a universe of change: nothing remains the same 
from one moment to another, and each moment of recorded time 
has its separate history. We are carried on by the ever-chang- 
ing events in the line of our destinv, and at the end of the year 
we are always at a considerable distance from the point of its 
beginning. How short the space between tlie two cardinal 
points of an earthly career ! — the point of birth and that of 
death ; and yet what a universe of wonders is presented to us 
in our rapid flight through this space! How small the wisdom 
obtained by a single life in its passage, and how small the 
known, when compared with the unknown, by the accumulation 
of the millions of lives, through the art of printing, in hundreds 
of years ! How many questions press themselves upon us in 
the contemplations whence come we, whither are we going, 
what is our final destiny, the object of our creation? What 
mysteries of unfathomable depths environ us on every side ! 
lUit, after all our speculations, and an attempt to grapple witli 
the problem of the universe, the simplest conception which 
explains and connects the phenomena is that of the existence 
of one Spiritual Being — infinite in wisdom, in power, and all 
divme ])erfections, which exists always and everywhere — wliich 
has created us with intellectual faculties sufficient, in some 
degree, to comprehend Plis operations as they are developed 
in Nature by what is called " Science." This Being is unchange- 
able, and, therefore. His operations are always in accordance 
with the same laws, the conditions being the same. Events 
that happened a thousand years ago will hapi^en again a thou- 
sand years to come, provided the condition of existence is the 
same. Indeed, a universe not governed by law would be a 
universe without the evidence of an intellectual director. In 
the scientific ex])lanati()n of physical ])henomena, we assume the 




JOSEPH HENRY, SCIENTIST. 

When this illustrious Albanian, the discoverer of the 
electric telegraph, died at Washington, on May 13, 1878, 
it was universal judgment that he was the greatest scientist 
of the age in America. 



No. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 683 



1878. 



existence of a principle having properties sufficient to produce 
the effects which we obsei-\'e ; and when the principle so assumed 
explains, by logical deductions from it, all the phenomena, wo 
call it a theory. Thus, we have the theory of light, the theory 
of electricity, etc. There is no proof, however, of the truth of 
these theories, except the explanation of the phenomena which 
they are invented to account for. This proof, however, is suf- 
ficient in any case in which every fact is fully explained, and 
can be predicted v/hen the conditions are known. In accord- 
ance with this scientific view, on what evidence does the exist- 
ence of a creator exist? First. It is one of the truths best 
established by experience in my own mind, that I have a think- 
ing, willing principle within me, capable of intellectual activity 
and of moral feeling. Second. It is equally clear to me that 
you have a similar spiritual principle within yourself, since 
when I ask you an intelligent question you give me an intellectual 
answer. Third. When I examine the operations of Nature, I 
find everywhere through them evidences of intellectual arrange- 
ments, of contrivances to reach definite ends, precisely as I find 
in the operations of man ; and hence I infer that these two classes 
of operations are results of similar intelligence. Again, in my 
own mind, I find ideas of right and wrong, of good and evil. 
These ideas exist in the universe, and. therefore, form a basis 
of our ideas of a moral universe. Furthermore, the concep- 
tions of good which are found among our ideas associated with 
evil, can be attributed only to a Being of infinite perfections, like 
that which we denominate ' God '." He was born on the south 
side of Division street, west of Green street, of Scotch ancestors; 
his father, William Henry, dying when he was a boy, and his 
mother bringing him up in accord with the strictest of Presby- 
terian doctrines. He studied at the Albany Academy, taught 
a district school at Selkirk two years, was apprenticed to a 
jeweler for a time and was a tutor at the Van Rensselaer Manor 
House. On Sept. ii, 1826, he became professor of natural 
sciences at the Albany Academy, and in 1828 discovered the 
principle of his wonderful " intensity " magnet which made it 
possible to operate electrical mechanism at any distance over a 
wire. He exhibited his magnetic " spool " or " bobbin," that 
useful form of coil in electro-magnetism, before The Albany 
Institute in ■March. 1829. and perfecting it to exert greater 
power, had his paper, descriptive of it, printed in Silliman's 
American Journal of Science in January. 183 1. He saw the 
value of the discoverv in that bv being able to attract bv 



684 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. . No. 54. 

J 

1878. 



magnet at a distance, hold a weight even of a thousand pounds 
and release it by opening of the circuit, he could make an elec- 
trical telegraph, or communicate signals by this method. Fol- 
lowing his conception of the telegraph in 1828, he strung about 
two miles of wire, which he had insulated from contact, about 
the large room, second floor, of the Albany Academy in July, 
1829, and by a metal lever striking upon a small bell, operated 
through this long stretch of wire, he demonstrated to his class 
the feasibility of an electric telegraph, and the " sounder " of 
the century following is but a commercial form of this original 
instrument. Prof. James Hall, late State geologist, testified to 
seeing this apparatus working successfully there in August, 
1832. He left Albany in November, 1832, to join the faculty 
of the College of New Jersey (Princeton) and made discoveries 
there that were of great practical benefit. He became first 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C, 
on Dec. 3, 1846, and organized it on his plan, as submitted 
Dec. 8, 1847, oi"! lines he believed the late James Smithson in- 
tended under his will. He established the Lighthouse Board, 
at the head of which he was for twenty-five years ; studied the 
laws affecting signals by sound at sea to avert danger ; inaug- 
urated the system of mapping the weather and sending out fore- 
casts all over the country. He was elected president of these 
bodies : American Association for the Advancement of Science, 
1849; United States National Academy of Sciences, 1868; Phil- 
osophical Society of Washington, 1871. President Hayes, his 
cabinet and all the ambassadors with their suites attended the 
funeral and he was buried in Oakhill Cemetery, Georgetown, on 
the 1 6th. A public commemoration service was held in the 
House of Representatives, Vice-President Wheeler presiding, 
and the President among the auditors, on May 17th. The ad- 
dresses delivered on this memorable occasion were gathered and 
printed in a volume of large size, containing 528 pages, and 
"published by order of Congress" in 1880. A list of a line 
index of his scientific publications, covers ten pages in this 
book. A bronze statue by Sculptor W. W. Story was erected 
later in the Smithsonian's grounds by the U. S. Government, 
and when each State was requested to present two statues to 
the collection of the House of Representatives, his likeness was 
one of the two chosen from the Empire State. The day before 
his death he rested in slumber but awoke when his friend. Prof. 
Simon Newcomb, the astronomer, was standing by his bed, and 



Xo. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 685 



1878-1879. 



not only asked whether the observation of the transit of Mercury 
had been a success, but inquired about the chance for an ap- 
propriation for future observations. On the day of his death, 
his mind reverted to experiments at sea, and the last thing- he 
gave utterance to was to ask the direction of the wind. He was 
then in a semi-conscious condition, and died at 12:10 o'clock. 

May 13. 

New edifice declared officially the State Capitol. May 14. 

Rifle range leased on Genet farm, Greenbush Heights (Rensselaer), 
opened in the spring. 

Kenmore Hotel opened at s. w. corner North Pearl and Columbia 
streets. 

Telephone exchange established here, the 3rd in United States, 

May 22. 

Albany Baseball Club of Professionals, Greenbush grounds, or- 
ganized. 

Steamboat J. G. Sanders put on Albany & Troy Line. 

Albany Tennis Club organized. 

Gasworks at North Albany blown down during gale, and parts car- 
ried across the river. July 21. 

Prospect Hill reservoir, north of Central avenue and east of Colby 
street, containing 7,000,000 gallons, built. 

Gen. John Tayler Cooper, a most prominent citizen, dies, Aug. 13. 

Mutual Rowing Club wins at National regatta, Newark, N. J., 

Aug. 20. 

Jackson Corps (organized in 1867) becomes military body. 

School No. 17 completed. 

School No. 25 completed. 

Board of Public Instruction appoints Charles W. Cole the (3rd) 
superintendent of schools (succeeding J. O. Cole of 1869). 

Albany Railway elects Abraham Van Vechten (fourth) president, 

Oct. 14. 

Temple Tabernacle No. 5, U. S. A. K. T. P., instituted. 

Ancient Order of United Workmen organized in Albany. 

Lyman Tremain (prominent lawyer and State attorney-general) 
dies, Nov. 30. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 21. 



1879. 



Charter officials holding office at this time for the year — ^Nlayor, 
Michael N. Nolan ; Common Council : John Zimmermann, L 



686 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54. 



1879. 



Thomas B. Franklin, II. William A. Donahoe, III. John T. 
Gorman, R'. Isaac Brilleman, A'. William Manson, VI. 
James jMcKinney, VII. James H. Hannigan, VIII. Edwin V. 
Kirtland, IX. Conrad Degen, X. David M. Alexander, XI. 
Thomas Cavanagh, XII. Theodore AI. Amsdell, XIII. William 
Dey Ermand, XIV. Michael J. Gorman, X\ \ Allston Adams, 
XVI. Thomas Cavanagh ( XII), president. Holding office on, 

Jan. I. 

New Capitol opened in part formally by reception, Jan. 7. 

Peter ]\Ionteath, prominent wholesale grocer for half a century, 

(b. Albany, Oct. 30, 181 1) dies, Jan. 13. 

Gilbert & Sullivan's " Pinafore " first produced, a craze, Leland, 

Feb. 17. 
John G. Treadwell (ist superintendent of school buildings) resigns, 

March 3. 
Alexander Sayles appointed (2nd) superintendent of school build- 
ings (succeeding J. G. Treadwell of 1872). 
Isaac Edwards (school commissioner) dies, March 26 

Albany Railway's Central avenue stables burned, March 28 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 29 

Livingston avenue changed from Lumber street, April 21 

Forester Gun Club organized. May 6 

Federal Building (Post-Office) corner-stone laid. May 7 

James Kidd, first president of Albany Railway and donor of site of 
Home for the Friendless, dies at his home, X^o. 7 Elk St., 

May 20. 
Gen. J. Meredith Read leaves Greece (as L\ S. minister), May 28. 
Hudson River Line (formed in 1862 as the New York & Albany 

Day Line, later Hudson River Day Line) incorporated. 
National Encampment of G. A. R., June 17-18. 

Swimming-school of Garrett J. Benson opened on east shore. 
Commercial Telephone Co. in operation, July. 

Mutual Rowing Club wins 6-oared at National regatta, Saratoga, 

July 9- 
N. Y. State National Bank elects J. Howard King its (5th) presi- 
dent, July 21. 
Grant (Rep.) Club with 3,000 members organized. 
Emmet street changed from Laughlin street, Sept. 22. 
Episcopal Church Congress, Oct. 20. 
Nathan D. Wendell elected State treasurer, Nov. 6. 
Albany Musical Ass'n. Conductor John G. Parkhurst, re-organized. 
Dr. Jas. H. Armsby Memorial. Washington park, unveiled. 

Nov. 2S. 



No. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 687 

1879-1880. 

Ex-Prisoners of War Ass'n organized at Albany, December. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 20. 

Crops in Albany county during season amount to 159,200 bushels 
of corn, 23,128 bushels of wheat, 158,600 bushels of rye, 17,952 
bushels of barley, 787,529 bushels of oats, and 95.137 tons of 
hay, Dec. 31. 



1880. 



Alonzo B. Cornell becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Savings banks of Albany reduce interest to 4%, Jan. i. 

Population of the city 90,758. 

Population of New York state 5,084,173. 

Horses number 9,469 in Albany county. 

Farms number 3,325 in Albany county. 

Farms in Albany county valued at $19,898,866. 

Farm implements in Albany county valued at $1,047,171. 

Farm products in Albany county valued at $2,783,028. 

" Game of Fifteen " interesting everyone, January. 

Republican Club (Hon. Hamilton Harris, Pres.) organized, Jan. 8. 

Albany Phalanx (Dem. political club) organized. 

Joel Munsell, noted local historian, collector and publisher of gene- 
alogies, author of "Annals of Albany" (b. Northfield, Mass., 
April 14, 1808), dies at Albany, Jan. 15. 

LeGrand Bancroft (lawyer) dies, Jan. 20. 

Charles Stewart Parnell given a reception, Jan. 27. 

Fort Orange Club organized (Erastus Corning, Pres.), Jan. 31. 

People's Gaslight Co. (incorporated 1872) reincorporated (capital 
$500,000), Jan. 31, 

City Hall on Eagle, Pine and Maiden Lane, marble building with 
a dome, destroyed by fire, , Feb. 10. 

People's Gas Co. organized, March i. 

River open to navigation, Government record, March 3. 

Pest-house, on Alms-house grounds, accepted, March 6. 

Dr. Edward Reynolds Hun dies, aged 38, March 14. 

Thomas Worth Olcott (5th Pres. M. & F. Bank) dies, March 23. 

Dr. Charles A. Robertson, oculist, dies, April i. 

Mechanics & Farmers' bank elects Dudley Olcott its (6th) presi- 
dent, April 20. 

Y. M. C. A. railroad reading-rooms established. May 4. 



688 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54. 



1880. 



Charter election, Mayor, Michael N. Nolan; Common Council: 
Peter Snyder, I. Philip J. McCormick, II. William A. Don- 
ahoe. III. John T. Gorman, IV. John Carey, V. Alichael A. 
Murphy, VI. James Carlisle, VII. Vacancy, VIII. Michael 
H. Murray, IX. James A. Fahy, X. William McEwan, XI. 
Robert Bryce, Jr., XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. Theodore D. 
Smith, Jr., XIV. Joseph McCann, XV. Albert Gallup, XVI. 
Henry C. Burch, XVII. Albert Gallup (XVI), president. 
Election, April 13; sworn in. May 4. 

Steamboat City of Catskill built by Van Loan & Magee, 250x35 
X 10 feet, 56x144 in. engine. 

Steamboat Evans put on Castleton line. 

Sacred Heart (R. C.) Church dedicated, Alay 23. 

Thomas Fearey (shoe manufacturer) dies, Jnne 2. 

Rensselaerwyck Rifle range secured at Bath-on-Hudson, June. 

Our Lady Help of Christians (R. C.) Church corner stone laid, 

June 2.J. 

Tweddle Hall remodeling begun, Jnne 28. 

Fort Orange Club opened in 1810 house of Samuel Hill, July i. 

Steamboat Albany of the Hudson River Day Line, running between 
Albany and New York city, built by Harlan & Hollingsworth 
Co., Wilmington. Del., one of the handsomest and largest river 
steamers afloat ; hull of iron ; 325 feet long, breadth of beam 
75 feet overall; tonnage, 1,415 gross tons; engine by W. & A. 
Fletcher Co. with stroke of 12 feet and diameter of cylinder 
J}^ inches ; steam steering-gear to insure precision ; interior 
woodwork of carved mahogany, ash and maple ; making 24.06 
miles per hour on trial trip, arrives here for the first time, 

July 3- 

Mutual Rowing Club wins 6-oared at National regatta. 

Calvary Baptist Chuch, High and State sts., erected. 

Gen. James A. Garfield, President, passes through, Aug. 2. 

Albany Bicycle Club organized, Aug. 24. 

Salvation Army, Captain D. Ray, commences work in Albany, 

September. 
State Fair, the 40th ( N. Martin Curtis, Pres.) held at Albany (7th 

time). 
Physicians declare Beaver creek a dangerous nuisance and petition 

board of health, Sept. 15. 

School No. 20 completed. 

Grace (M. E.) Church corner-stone, Ten Broeck St.. laid, Sept. 21. 
Business Men's Association organized, Oct. 7. 




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No. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 689 

1880-1881. 



Albany Railway elects John W. McNamara (fifth) president, 

Oct II. 

William ~S1. Woollett (architect) dies, Oct. 17. 

Steamer No. 5 suspended for neglect to report, by Chief McQuade. 

Nov. 22. 

River closed to navigation. Government record, Nov. 25. 

Irish-born in Albany (state census) number 12,575 o^ 9^-57^- 

Railroad Y. M. C. A. organized. 

Adelphi Club moves from Green street to No. loi Hudson ave. 

Fire causes nine deaths in Albany during year. 

Austin Graves rag-shop, s. w. cor. Arch and Church sts., burned, 

Dec. 22. 

Roller skating inaugurated (No. 69 N. Pearl st.), Dec. 25, 



1881. 



Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year — Mayor, 
Michael N. Nolan ; Common Council : Peter Snyder, I. Philip 
T. McCormick, II. William A. Donahoe, III. John T. Gor- 
man, IV. John Carey, V. Michael A. Murphey, VI. James 
Carlisle, VII. Thomas A. Becket, VIII. Michael H. Murray, 
IX. James A, Fahy. X. William McEwan, XI. Robert 
Bryce, Jr., XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. Theodore D. Smith, 
Jr., XIV. Vacancy, XV. Albert Gallup, XVI. Henry C. 
Burch, XVII. Albert Gallup. (XAT), president. Holding 
office on. Jan. i. 

College of Pharmacy (Union university) organized. 

Seventh Heavy Artillery Ass'n organized. 

Mercantile Mutual Accident Society of Albany organized. 

Electricity first illuminates streets, Jan. 14. 

Gen. and Mrs. U. S. Grant guests of Gov. A. B. Cornell, Jan. 17. 

Order of United Friends organized in Albany. 

Anneke Jans case decided by Court of Appeals, February. 

Physicians a second year declare Beaver creek a menace to health, 

February 11. 

John AI. Bailey appointed U. S. Consul at Hamburg. 

Albany Zouave Cadets (Co. A of 177th N. Y. Vols.) having been 
Co. A of loth regiment, becomes Co. A of loth Battalion, 

Feb. 17. 



690 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54. 



1881. 



Companies A, B, D and K organize as loth Battalion and loth 
Regiment disbands, Feb. 17. 

River open to navigation, Government record, March 21. 

Albany Electric Blnminating Co. ^^ Trinity Place) organized, 

April. 
Leland Opera House leased by Mrs. Rosa ]M. Leland, April 7. 
Eli Perry (ex-mayor) dies. May 17. 

Steamboat Lotta (Crabtree, California actress) put on New Balti- 
more line. 
Alfred Billings Street, poet, (b. Poughkecpsie, Dec. 18, 1811), dies 
at his residence, n. e. cor. Washington ave. and Dove street, 

June 2. 
Y. M. C. A. reorganized (No. 20 N. Pearl st.), June. 

Mohican Canoe Club organized. 

Conkling-Platt senatorial case ends, June 10. 

Rev. Dr. Darling, of 4th Pres. Church, goes to Hamilton College, 

June 10. 

Abbey hotel, Kenwood, secured by Plenry Parr. 

West Shore railroad chartered, June 14. 

Albany Yacht Club erects house on Hudson island south of Middle 

bridge, on east side of river, opened, June 15. 

Albany Electric Illuminating Co. contracts with city, Jnne 21. 

Savings banks of Albany reduce interest from 4 to 3^'?''', July i. 

Citizens shocked by the news on the Western Union bulletin board 

late in the forenoon that President James Abram Garfield 

(20th President, b. (3range, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1831) had been 

shot by Charles Jules Guiteau while awaiting departure of his 

train in the ladies' waiting room of the Pennsylvania depot at 

Washington, bells tolling, July 2. 

Dutch Reformed church, " The Middle," Beaver st., abandoned. 

Hudson avenue (Broadway to Pearl) widened at cost of $74,965. 

Bath house opened on Columbia st. pier front by Garret J. Benson, 

July. 
Dutch Reformed Chuch, ]\Iadison ave. and Swan st., occupied. 
Captain Willard Glazier discovers source of Mississippi river. Lake 
Glazier, Minnesota, July 22. 

Adam Blake, proprietor of Kenmore hotel (b. Albany, April 6, 
1830), dies, Sept. 7. 

George Edgar Oliver made manager of Martin Opera House, 

September. 
Martin Opera House becomes Music Hall, September. 

School No. 8 completed. 




CITY HALL OF 1881. 

H. H. Richardson, of Boston, Architect. Cornerstone laid by Masonic 
fraternity on October 13, 1881 ; cost, $325,000 : tower 202 feet. 



No. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 69L 

1881-1882. 

Board of Public Instruction elects Herman Bendell its (6th) presi- 
dent (succeeding C. P. Easton of 1875). 

President Garfield's death at Elberon, N. J., announced at night bv 
ringing of the church bells, Sept. 19. 

City Hall corner-stone laid by Masons ceremoniously, Oct. 13. 

Rev. Dr. James H. Ecob made pastor Second Presbyterian Church. 

Charles Van Benthuysen (publishing printer; b. Albany, May 6, 
1817), dies in New York, Oct. 19. 

Tenth and Twenty-fifth regiments disbanded. 

Woman's Exchange organized, Nov. 3. 

Adelphi Club moves from No. loi Hudson ave. to n. e. cor. Division 
and S. Pearl streets. 

Capt. Horatio P. Stacpole made brevet-major, Dec. 31. 



1882. 



Charter officials holding office at this time, (but not as result of 
election held on this date) are as follows : Mayor, Michael N. 
Nolan ; Common Council : Peter Snyder, I. Jeremiah Kieley, 
n. William A. Donahoe, HI. James Lyons, IV. John Carey, 
V. George W. Beck, VI. James Carlisle, VII. Michael A. 
Nolan, VIII. Michael H. Murray, IX. James A. Fahy, X. 
Austin S. Kibbee, XI. Vacancy, XII. Samuel C. Harris. 
XIII. Charles W. Mead, XIV. James Thornton, XV. Will- 
iam H. Murray, XVI. Henry C. Burch, XVII. William H. 
Murray (XVI), president. Jan. i. 

Greenbush bridge draw operated for first, Jan. 3. 

River closes to navigation. Government record, Jan. 5. 

State flag provided for by " an act to establish the original arms, 
. . . and to provide for the use thereof on the public seals," 
Chap. 190, Laws of 1882. 

State flag and flag of the United States ordered displayed from the 
capitol during hours when Legislature is in session. 

Senator Wagner and other members killed on way to New York 
city, Jan. 13. 

South Ferry street bridge across Hudson opened, Jan. 24. 

Farewell dinner to Wni. H. McElroy, leaving Journal, Jan. 29. 

Deadlock in Legislature until Feb. 2. 

Comet of importance discovered by Charles S. Wells, at Dudley 
Observatory. 

Robert Hewson Pruyn, President of National Commercial Bank, 
late U. S. minister to Japan, dies, Feb. 21. 



692 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54. 

1882. 

National Commercial bank elects Daniel Manning (sixth) president, 
because of death of R. H. Pruyn, March 4. 

River open to navigation, Government record, March 5. 

Principal M. E. Gates, Albany Academy, elected President of Rut- 
gers College, March 7. 

Charter election resulting in contest in court between M. N. Nolan 
and Dr. John Swinburne, April 11. 

Open-Door Mission (Mrs. Frederick Townsend, Pres.) incorpo- 
rated, April 14. 

Capital City Benefit Ass'n incorporated. 

West Shore railroad contract let. May, 

Henry H. Martin elected president of Albany Savings Bank, vice 
Harmon Pumpelly resigned, May. 

Steamboat Kaaterskill built by Van Loan & Magee, 1,361 tons, 
281 X 38 X 10 feet, 63 X 144 in. engine. 

Michael Davitt speaks at Music Hall, June 21. 

Albany Rural Cemetery office (Robert W, Gibson, architect) erected. 

N. Y. Central freight brakemen return to work (advance conceded), 

June 30. 

News of hanging of Charles J. Guiteau (for shooting of President 
Garfield on July 2, 1881) at Washington jail, interests citizens, 

June 30. 

Judge Westbrook hears argument at Kingston on motion of defend- 
ant in mayoralty case for stay pending appeal to general term, 

July I. 

Fire-alarm bell contracted for by fire board with Meneely & Co., 
West Troy, July 6. 

Judge Westbrook grants stay of proceedings in mayoralty case until 
the September term, July 7, 

Barclay Jermain, lawyer (son of James Barclay Jermain) dies at 
Cooperstown, July 7, 

Broadway viaduct work, under Central road's tracks, begun 

July 7. 

John W. Viggers of Albany saves from drowning Anson Phelps 
Stokes, two sons and one seaman (one drowning) from cap- 
sized yacht Cyphie, Newport bay, July. 

Mount MacGregor railroad at Saratoga runs first train, address by 
James Arkell, formerly of the Albany Evening Journal, July 17. 

Longest ^-in,' rod ever made (263 ft.) rolled at Coming's Iron 
Works, South Troy, without fiaw, July 17. 

Public bath at foot of Columbia street opened, July 20. 

Old oak canal lock gate (1826) used at southern end of basin, raised 




OFFICE ON MAIN THOROUGHFARE. 




superintentent's residence. 



RURAL CEMETERY BUILDINGS. 
The Office, or Lodge, stands to the west of the main entrance, and was 
erected in 1882'; Robert W. Gibson, Architect. The Superintendent's Resi- 
dence was erected in 1899, Marcus T. Reynolds, Architect. 



Xo. 54. MICHAEL XICHOLAS XOLAX. 693 

1882-1883. 

b\- dredge between Hamilton and Hodge streets and conveyed 
to Greenbnsh shore, July 22. 

X. Y. Central freight house (^Columbia, Quay. Orange and \\'ater 
streets) falls. Aug. 3. 

\\'illiam Christman kills Charles Trinkley at Alexander and Eliza- 
beth streets. Aug. 5. 

Swinburne dispensary treats 300 cases (^60 cases at clynic on Aug. 
5th) during" week ending, Aug. 5. 

\\in. Christman found by Sergt. Buchanan, Aug. 10. 

Test of incandescent electric lights at the capitol, Aug. 22. 

Sullivan & Ehlers awarded contract (^ $98,962.81 ) for iron in roof 
western end of capitol and pavilions. Aug. 2"^. 

Harmony mills strike of 18 weeks, Cohoes, ends, Aug. 28. 

Swinburne dispensary treated 1,200 cases during the month, 

Aug. 31. 

Fire-alarm bell purchased from Meneely & Co., of West Troy 
(W'atervliet). (70 in. at mouth, 5052 in. high. 5 i-io in. thick. 
7.049 lbs. in weight) hoisted into City Hall tower, Sept. 28. 

Harmon Pumpelly, President Albany Gaslight Co., the Albany Sav- 
ings Bank and the Albany Insurance Co., senior warden St. 
Peter's Church, (b. Salisbury, Conn.. Aug. i, 1795, coming to 
Albany in 1841) dies at his home, Xo. i Elk st., Sept. 2S<. 

X'ormal school elects Edward P. W'aterbury its (7th) principal i^ suc- 
ceeding J. Alden of 1867). 

Albany Academy elects James Cassety, Ph.D., its ( loth) principal. 

Cricket popular in Albany. 

Board of Public Instruction elects Alden Chester its (7th) president 
(succeeding Herman Bendell of 1881). 

Lake ave. changed from Perry st. (s. of \\'estern ave.\. Oct. 2. 

German Young Men's Democratic Club organized. 

Rainfall exceedmgly Hglit (A. average 3.17 in. per month), 0.27 in., 

October. 

Rev. \A'esley Reid Davis becomes minister Madison avenue Re- 
formed Church. 

Thin-low \\'eed, founder of Albany Evening Journal, dies, X'ov. 22. 

River closetl to navigation (Government record). Dec. 4. 



1883. 



Grover Cleveland inaugurated Governor of Xew York State. Jan. i. 

Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year ; but not 
elected at this date — Mayor, Michael X'. X'^olan : Common 
Council: Peter Snvder. 1. leremiah Kielev. TI. \\'illiam A. 



694 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54. 

1883. 

Donahoe, III. James Lyons, l\. John Carey, V. George W. 
Beck, VI. John Greer, VII. Michael A. Nolan, VIII. Michael 
H. Murray, IX. James A. Fahy, X. Austin S. Kibbee, XI. 
Patrick McCann, XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. Charles W. 
Mead, XIV. James Thornton, XV. William H. Murray, XVI. 
William H. Murray (XVI), president. Holding office on, 

Jan. I. 
Dudley Observatory (Prof. Lewis Boss) completes an International 
Zone (Leipsic, No. 14, International Catalogue), 8,241 stars 
measured and recorded. 
Electric illumination of the city streets. 
Hudson River Telephone Co. begins operations. 
Mme. Albani sings at Music Hall, Jan. 15. 

Tweddle Hall (theatre), n. w. corner of State and Pearl streets, 
completely demolished by fire, Hannibal A. Williams, elocution- 
ist, obliged to abandon entertainment, Jan. 16, 
George Dawson, proprietor of Albany Evening Journal, dies, 

Feb. 17 
School No. 5 completed. 

Charles Watson Godard (ex-mayor) dies at Brooklyn, Feb. 19 
Albany Evening Union first issued, Feb. 20 

Equal Rights Life Ins. Ass'n of Albany chartered, Feb. 28 

Dunlop grain elevator on Quay street near Hamilton burned, 

March 3 
Salvini, the elder, plays " The Gladiator," March 5 

New York Central's viaduct crossing Broadway excavation begun 
River open to navigation (Government record), April i 

John A. McCair appointed State superintendent of insurance, 

April 23 
City Hall completed. May i 

Safe Deposit & Storage Co. building (s. e. corner Lodge and Maiden 

Lane) erected. 
Col. John Mills" remains exhumed from Capitol park and re-interred 
in Albany Rural cemetery. May 30. 

Board of Public Instruction elects George B. Hoyt its (8th) presi- 
dent (succeeding Alden Chester of 1882). 
Albany Zouave Cadets organized as Old Guard of Co. A, June 7. 
Mayor Nolan resigns office, the court deciding the Charter election 
contest of April 11, 1882, in favor of seating Dr. John Swin- 
burne, and that he was properly mayor, entitled to salary, from 
the previous time when his term rightfully should have begun, 

June 24. 
• • • 

(See No. 55.) 



No. 55. 



May 2, 1882 — May 5, 1884-. 
Seated Jvine 25, 1883. 



No. 55. 
JOHN SWINBURNE. 

Date of office: May 2, 1882-May 5, 1884. 
Seated June 25, 1883. 

Date of election: April 11, 1882. 

Political party: Republican. 

Vote: 9,221. 

Opponent: M. N. Nolan. 

Political party: Democrat. 

Fote: 9,339; scattering, 18. (Contested.) 

Total vote: 18,578. 

Date of birth: May 30, 1820. 

Place of birth: Farm on Black river, Lewis county, N. Y. 

Parents: Peter (S.) and Artemesia. 

Education: Lowville Academy and Albany Medical College, 1846. 

Married to: Harriet Judson. 

Date: 1847. 

Children: (3) John, Jr., Louis Judson, Frederick. 

Residence: No. 57 Eagle street. 

Occupation: Surgeon. 

Religion: Episcopalian. 

Date of death: March 28, 1889. 

Place of death: No. 57 Eagle street. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: Chief medical officer on staff of General Rathbone in 
Civil War, losing by death only 12 of 1,470 in his care. 
Surgeon-in-Chief of American Ambulance Corps, Franco- 
Prussian War, 1870-71. Knight of Legion of Honor. Red 
Cross of Geneva. President Medical Society of Albany 
County, 1872. Lower bridge (South Ferry street) opened, 
January 24, 1882. Contested election of April 11, 1882, and 
awarded salary. School No. 5 completed, 1883. Congress- 
man. Conducted a free dispensary at No. 57 Eagle street 
that was attended by multitudes. Successfully reduced 
fractures by his new extension method, discarding splints 
and bandages. One of four surgeons to found the Albany 
Medical College. 




55- JOHN SWINBURNE. 

I 882- I 884. 

From a painting made from life, and owned in 1904 by the city of Albany. 



No. 55. JOHN SWINBURNE. 697 

1883. 

(Continued from No. 54.) 
1883. 



John Swinburne, M. D., is sworn as mayor of Albany, the courts 
having decided that he was properly chosen to the office at the 
Charter election held on April 11, 1882, when he received ac- 
cording to the count made at that time 118 less votes as the 
Republican candidate, than Michael N. Nolan as the Demo- 
cratic candidate, June 25. 

West Shore railroad open to Albany from New York, July 9. 

Decision to close State library on State street, preparatory to tear- 
ing it down to make room for new Capitol, July 19. 

Adrian O. Mather (aged 48) dies at Isle of Wight, L. I., July 18. 

Western Union operatives strike here and elsewhere, July 19. 

Rev. W. H. Griffith, D. D., rector (Israel) African M. E. Church, 
dies, July 22. 

Old Capitol building sold (edifice of 1808), James W. Eaton's bid 
of $1,000 accepted, July 25. 

Co. B participates in State camp service near Peekskill (under Capt. 
Horatio P. Stacpole), July 21-28. 

Justice Bockes denies writ of mandamus to compel State officers 
(as ex-officio members) to attend meeting of Union College 
trustees on Aug. 2nd, in the presidency imbroglio, July 30. 

John Walter's table oil-cloth factory (No. 338 Central avenue) 
burned (loss about $12,000), July 31. 

Deadlock in Union College board of trustees. Potter and Webster 
factions, Aug. 2. 

Dr. Jacob Simmons Mosher (b. Coeymans ; March 19, 1834) dies of 
heart failure in early morning at his home, No. 3 Lancaster 
street, Aug. 13. 

S. R. Stoddard, well-known photographer of Glens Falls, passes 
southward in his canoe Atlantis (18 feet) on a 2,000-mile tour 
making pictures, Aug. 14. 

Gen. Robert Lenox Banks, as president State Forestry Association, 
reports that only 14 of more than 200 islands in Lake George 
are held by individuals by legal state right, Aug. 16. 

Western Union operatives' strike (Manager Sabold) ends, Aug. 18. 

Lord Chief Justice Coleridge of England visits Capitol and park, 
and is dined at Fort Orange Club, Aug. 28. 

Beaver creek declared a public nuisance by health board, Aug. 28. 

State library books removed to new quarters in Capitol, Sept. i. 

Pons' comet of 1812 attracts attention of local astronomers, 

September. 



698 JOHN SWINBURNE. No. 55. 



1883. 



Jackson Corps go to Boston, Sept. 3. 

Dexter building (n. e. corner State and Pearl streets ) the scene of a 
thousand anti-rent cases, remodeled, with entrance changed 
from State to North Pearl street, Sept. 8. 

Normal School building (east side of Willett street), plans by Ed- 
ward Ogden & Son, burned Jan. 8, 1906), begun. 

Martin Opera House managed by Mrs. Rosa M. Leland, September. 

Hugh J. Plastings (b. Maguire's Bridge, Fermanagh, Ire., Aug. 20, 
1820), the organizer of "The Knickerbocker" newspaper in 
September, 1843, dies at Monmouth Beach, N. J., Sept. 12. 

St. Luke's (M. E.) Church corner-stone laid, Sept. 18. 

Nelson Lyon's large furniture factory. No. 4 Central avenue, burns 
with a loss of about $30,000, Sept 20. 

Steamboat Block Island, of Columbia opposition line, inaugurates a 
passenger rate of 10 cents to New York, Sept. 26, 

Albany Bicycle Club holds its 2nd large race-meet at Island Park, 

Sept. 26. 

Tugboat John S. Robinson's boiler explodes, foot of Westerlo street, 
killing three men, Sept. 27. 

Two-cent postage for ist class mail inaugurated, Oct. i. 

Steamboat Block Island, having tried to introduce lo-cent fare to 
New York city, abandons Hudson river traffic for New London, 

Oct. I. 

Actor Joseph K. Emmet. Sr.'s St. Bernard dog. Bayard, recently 
purchased for $2,500 (7!/ feet long, 34 inches high, weighing- 
175 pounds), dies at New York city, Oct. i. 

Jay-Eye-See (having made world trotting record of 2:14 on Aug. 
i6th at Rochester) races against time at Island Park (Director, 
Phallas, and Trinket at the meet) and scores 2:17, Oct. 4. 

Loren B. Sessions bribery (1881) case commenced before Judge 
Osborn in Oyer and Terminer, Oct. 8. 

Albany Burgesses Corps begins two-day celebration of its semi-cen- 
tennial by parade on Oct. 8th, dinner at Delavan, Oct. 9. 

West Shore Railroad open to Syracuse, October. 

Gates Literary Society of Albany Academy founded, October. 

Gen. Philip Henry Sheridan (b. Albany, March 6, 1831, and who 
dies at Nonquitt, Mass., Aug. 5. 1888) resigns from United 
States army, issuing such as General Orders No. 17, at Chicago, 

Nov. I. 

New " Standard Time " adopted, November. 

Elnathan Sweet elected State engineer and surveyor, Nov. 6. 

Albany Zouave Cadets organize as " Old Guard," Dec. 6. 

Y. M. A. celebrates semi-centennial, Dec. 12. 




CAPITOL OF 1808 IS RAZED. 

Legislature met at Albany first in City Hall on Broadway ; cornerstone laid Apr. 23, 1806 ; 
irst used Nov. i, 1808 ; cost, $110,685.42 ; sold to Jas. W. Eaton, contractor for $1,000 on July 
15, 1883, and removed by him before Jan. i, 1884. 



JOHN SWINBURNE. 99 



1883-1884. 

Z ^ • A December. 



Dec. 31. 



1884. 



Tan. I. 



Post-office opened in Federal bmku.g, ■ ^ 

West Shore railroad open to Buifalo 

Court of Appeals moves mto new Capitol, of Dexter 

Rive.- open to navigation 'f^-^^^-^^'^^B^L street^ropeneti 

Boa.d^o"pyc it^ction e,ef Pete. J. FHnn its (9th) pres.dent 
(succeeding G. B- Hoyt o 1883 • ^^^^^.^ j^^^^^^^^_ 

John J. Gannon appomted (first) cleric 01 coa 
tion. 

School No. 2 completed. a,k,„v 

State Dairy Commission organized at Albany. 

island Park Racing Ass'n (E. Corning, pres.) ."corporated^^^^ ^^ 

Ridgefield Athletic Club organized, '^^_^^ ^ 

Charter election, receiving 10,098 votes as tne 
didate- his opponent, John Swinburne, M. D.,, r^c^^^^^S ^.^^^ 
votes ;st^.e Republican candidate; scattering, 52 -f ^ ' ^^^^^ 
Tumber of votes'cast, 19,998; Banks' majority over Swrnbume 
being 250 votes, he is declared elected mayor, April 9. 

• * * 

(See No. 53-) 



No. 56. 



May 4, 1886— April 30, 1888. 

* * -Sf 

Jan. 1, 1896 — Dec. 31, 1897. 



No. 56. 
JOHN BOYD THACHER. 



Date of office: (a) May 4, 1886-Apnl 30, i( 

(b) January i, 1896-December 31, 1897. 
Date of election: (a) April 13, 1886. 

(b) November 5, 1895. 
Political party: Democrat. 
Vote: (a) 10,510. 
(b) 11,030. 
Opponent: (a) Edward A. Durant, Jr. (aa) Frederick Wheeler. 

(b) William J. Walker, (bb) Oren E. Wilson. 
Political party: (a) Republican, (aa) Independent. 

(b) Republican, (bb) Independent (Rep.). 
Vote: (a) 8,981. (aa) 55. Scattering, 14. 

(b) 6,752. (bb) 4,314. Defective, 118. 
Total vote: (a) 19,560. 
(b) 22,214. 
Date of birth: September 11, 1847. 
Place of birth: Ballston Centre, N. Y. 
Parents: George Hornell (T.) and Ursula J. Boyd. 
Education: Williams College, 1869. 
Married to: Emma Treadwell. 
Date: Albany, September 11, 1872. 
Children : None. 

Residence: No. 5 South Hawk street. 
Occupation: Author. 
Religion: Presbyterian. 
Title: Senator. 

Remarks: State Senator, 1884-85. School No. 7 completed, 1886. 
School No. 3 completed, 1887. Bibliophile. Chairman Com- 
mission of Awards, Columbia Exposition. Author of 
" Christopher Columbus," " Continent of America," " Cabot- 
ian Voyages," " Charlecote," " Little Speeches," etc. 




56. JOHiN BOYD THACHER. 
I 886-88; 1896-97. 
From a photograph made from life in 1900 by Pirie Macdonald, and owned 
by The Albany Institute. 



No. 56. JOHN BOYD THACHER. 7^3 



1886. 



(Continued from No. 53.) 
1886. 



John Boyd Thachcr is sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having been 
chosen at a Charter election held on April 13th, when he re- 
ceived 10,510 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent, 
Edward A. Durant, Jr., receiving 8,981 votes as the Republican 
candidate ; Frederick F. Wheeler receiving 55 votes as the Inde- 
pendent candidate; scattering, 14 votes; total number of votes 
cast, 19,560; majority, 1,629 votes, May 4. 

Charter election, Mayor, John Boyd Thacher; Common Council: 
Frederick W. Klarr, 1. Christopher Fleming, II. William A. 
•Donahoe, III. James Lyons, IV. James O. Woodward, V. 
George L. Thomas, VI. Charles E. Van Zandt, VII. Thomas 
J. Judge, VIII. Michael F. Conners, IX. Frederick Stack- 
man, X. Howard N. Fuller, XL Arthur F. Corscadden, XII. 
William H. Bailey, XIII. David J. Norton, XIV. John J. 
Greagan, XV. Richard Hunter, XVI. Jeremiah Harris, Jr., 
XVli. Patrick McCann, Galen R. Hitt (at-large) ; Patrick 
McCann, president. Election, April 13; sworn in, Ua.y 4. 

School No. 7 completed. 

Board of Public Instruction elects James M. Ruso its (nth) presi- 
dent (succeeding O. E. Wilson of 1885). 
Robert Parker appointed (4th) superintendent of school buildings 

(succeeding H. J. McDonald of 1885). 
Steamboat Newburgh, running to Albany, built by Neafie & Levy 
Co., 1,033 tons, 210 feet long, 32 feet broad, 12 feet deep, 
26 X 45 X 36 in. engine, May. 

Bi-Centennial Loan Exhibition in Chapel of the Albany Academy, 
with J. Howard King as chairman, opened with ceremonies, 

_ July 5- 
Bi-Centennial festivities inaugurated on Sunday by religious ob- 
servance. Mayor John Boyd Thacher and a band of visiting 
Caughnawaga Indians attending St. Clary's Church, escorted by 
Jackson Corps; Bishop Wadhams pontificating. Rev. C. A. 
Walworth preaching sermon, Parlati's orchestra assisting Prof. 
Peter Schneider at organ, at 10:40 a. m. In afternoon special 
services at St. Peter's Church, Bishop Doane preaching. Prof. 
F. W. Mills at organ playing special composition, "Ancient of 
Days," words by Bishop Doane, music by Dr. J. Albert Jeffery. 
and at Reformed Dutch Church on Madison avenue Rev. David 
D. Demorest, of New Brunswick, preaching. Sunday, July 18. 



704 JOHN BOYD THACHER. No. 56. 

1886. 

Bi-Centennial " Educational Day," opening of elaborate city gate 
erected on Broadway, north of Hudson avenue, by Mayor John 
Boyd Thacher, announced by Town Crier Jacob D. Pohlman ; 
parade of trades and manufactures, Col. John S. McEwan, 
marshal; canoe races; i,ooo school children sing ode written by 
Hon. Howard N. Fuller ; fireworks and triple band in Washing- 
ton park. Monday, July 19. 

Bi-Centennial " Day of All Nations," Parade of Nationalities, Col, 
M. J. Severence, grand marshal, in morning; regatta on Pleas- 
ure (Lagoon) Island course in afternoon. Tuesday, July 20. 

Colored people of Albany plant an elm (Rev. Derrick) in Washing- 
ton park, July 20. 

Germans plant memorial oak in Washington park, July 20. 

Bi-Centennial "Civic Day," Wednesday, July 21. 

Bi-Centennial Day observed with enthusiasm. Thursday, July 22. 

Bi-Centennial medal, from which had been struck off 10 gold, 8 
silver, 36 bronze gilded with Florentine finish, 1,300 bronze, 
11,000 white metal of Y^ in. and in 3-16 in., i copper. 3 bronze, 
36 bronze struck up in gold, defaced to prevent further use, 

July 22. 

Bi-Centennial " Trades and Manufactures Day," Friday, July 23. 

Steamboat Daniel Drew burned while resting at Kingston as extra, 

Aug. 29. 

B. P. O. E., No. 49, (s. e. cor. vState and Lodge sts.) instituted, 

Sept. 18. 

Albany Academy elects Henry Pitt Warren, L. H. D., its (nth) 
principal. 

Y. M. C. A. Central building corner-stone laid, Sept. 20. 

Jermain Hall corner-stone laid, Sept. 20. 

Ex-President Chester Alan Arthur (b. Fairfield, Vt., Oct. 5, 1830; 
buried at Albany) dies at No. 123 Lexington ave., New York 
city, Nov. 18. 

Albany Historical and Art Society formed, Nov. 24. 

River closed, Government record, Dec. 4. 

Empire Curling Club organized. 

Toboggan chute built by Ridgefield Athletic club, December. 

Woman's Diocesan League of Albany Episcopal diocese (Mary 
Parker Coming, Pres.) clears $13,500 year of organizing, 

December. 




PRESIDENT CHESTER A. ARTHUR S TOMB. 




THE ANGEL AT THE SEPULCHRE. 

RURAL CEMETERY STATUARY. 

In 1868 wholesale removals were made from cemetery at State and Knox 
sts., that the grounds might be converted into Washington Park. "Angel at 
Sepulchre" completed by E. D. Palmer, April 29, 1867 for lot of Gen. Rob't 
Lenox Banks. Chester Alan Arthur, 21st President, died Nov. 18, 1886 and 
his sarcophagus attracts universal attention. 



No. 56. JOHN BOYD THACHER. 705 

1887. 



1887. 

Albany railway reduces fares on Pearl street line to 5 cents, Jan. i. 

Charter ofificials holding office at this time, for the year; but not 
elected at this date — Mayor, John Boyd Thacher ; Common 
Council: Frederick W. Klarr, I. Christopher Fleming, II. 
Vacancy, III. James Lyons, IV. James Otis Woodward, V. 
George L. Thomas, VI. Charles E. Van Zandt, VII. Thomas 
J. Judge, VIII. Michael E. Conners, IX. Frederick Stack- 
man, X. Howard N. Fuller, XI. Arthur F. Corscadden, XII. 
William H. Bailey, XIII. David J. Norton, XIV. John J. 
Greagan, XV. Richard Hunter, XVI. Jeremiah Harris, Jr., 
XVII. Patrick McCann, Galen R. Hitt (at-large) ; Patrick 
McCann (at-large), president. Holding office on, Jan. i. 

Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter (6th Bishop of New York Episcopal diocese) 
for 22 years from 1833 rector of St. Peter's Church (b. Feb. 
9, 1802, at LaGrange, N. Y. ; consecrated, Nov. 22, 1854) dies 
at LaGrange, N. Y., Jan. 2. 

Winter carnival of parade of bob-sleds and coasting on Madison 
avenue, band and fireworks, (Beverwyck, 28 feet long, and 
Brooklyn Bridge, 40 feet), 

George Hornell Thacher (ex-mayor) dies at St. Augustine, Fla., 

Feb. 5. 

Rev. Andrew V. V. Raymond made pastor of Fourth Presbyterian 
Church, March 10. 

John Godfrey Saxe, poet of renown, (b. Highgate, Vt., June 2, 
1816) dies at Albany, March 31. 

River open to navigation. Government record, April 6. 

Ex-President Chester A. Arthur memorial ceremonies. Assembly 
Chamber, (Att'y-Gen. Benj. H. Brewster and Hon. Chauncey 
M. Depew orators), April 20. 

Board of Public Instruction elects William P. Rudd its (12th) presi- 
dent (succeeding J. M. Ruso of 1886). 

Steamboat Homer Ramsdell built by T. S. Marvel & Co., 1,181 tons, 
240x32x12 feet, 28x52x36 in. engine. 

Albany County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children 
incorporated, June 9. 

John H. Oliver appointed (5th) superintendent of school buildings 
(succeeding R. Parker of 1866). 

Tenth battalion participates in state camp service near Peekskill 
(Lt.-Col. Wm. E. Fitch), July 23-30. 



yo6 JOHN BOYD THACHER. No. 56. 

1887-1888. 

National Commercial Bank building (No. 40 State st.J rebuilt. 

School No. 3 completed. 

Steamboat New York of Hudson River Day Line built by Harlan 
& Hollingsworth, 1,974 tons, 350X40X 11 feet, 75 x 144 in. en- 
gine put in commission, July 18. 

Y. M. C. A. Central building dedicatedj Sept. 22. 

Jermain Hall dedicated, Sept. 22. 

Catholic Union organized, Oct. 15. 

Albany Camera Club organized, Oct. 21. 

Henry Rusell, largest flour merchant in the state, elected senator, 

Nov. 8. 

Michael Rickard appointed State Railroad Commissioner, Nov. 14. 

River closed to navigation, Government record, Dec. ig. 

Hon. Daniel Manning, ex-Secretary of Treasury, (b. Aug. 16, 1831 ) 
dies at Albany, Dec. 24. 

James H. Manning appointed State Civil Service Commissioner, 

Dec. 29, 

George H. Treadwell appointed State civil service commissioner, 

Dec. 29. 



1888. 



Ice palace of considerable size in design of a fort, erected on the 
plateau at the corner of Madison and Lake avenues, east of 
tennis grounds, and dedicated with display of fireworks, 

Jan. 15. 

Commencement of the terrible 3-day blizzard, March 11. 

Water commission recommends additional pumps, April 5. 

River open to navigation (Government record), April 7. 

Edward A. Maher chosen Mayor at the Charter election, receiving 
11,766 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent, John 
Swinburne, M. D., receiving 9,013 votes as the Republican 
candidate ; scattering, 22 votes ; whole number of votes cast. 
20,801, and Maher's majority over Swinburne being 2.753 votes 
he is declared elected Mayor of Albany, April 10. 

Post-office robbed of $3,500 in stamps, April 26. 



(See No. 57.) 




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No. 56. JOHN BOYD THACHER. 707 



1896. 



(Continued from No. 59.) 
1896. 



John Boyd Thacher sworn as Mayor of Albany a second time, having 
been chosen at the Charter election held on Nov. 5, 1895, when 
he received 11,030 votes as the Democratic candidate; his oppo- 
nent, William J. Walker, receiving 6,752 votes as the Republican 
candidate; Oren E. Wilson (the mayor in office then) receiving 
4,314 votes as the Independent candidate; defective, 118 votes; 
total number of votes cast, 22,214; Thacher's majority over 
Walker being 4,278 votes, Jan. I. 

Charter election, Mayor, John Boyd Thacher; Common Council: 
Jacob Wirth, Jr., I. Malachi F. Cox, II. John F. Donovan, 
III. Michael J. Hogan, IV. Theodore P. Bailey, M. D., V. 
Hugh J. Slattery, \'I. William G. Sheehan, VII. James J. 
Mckiernan, VIII. John J. Brady, IX. George W. Smith. X. 
Elmer H. Havens. XI. John E. Corscadden, XII. Fred Ebel, 
XIII. George H. Stevens, XIV. Joseph A. Clancy, XV. 
William H. Golden, XVI. Charles A. Pritchard, XVII. John 
M. Collins, XVIII. John Pauly, XIX. John F. Donovan 
(III), president. Election, Nov. 5, 1895; sworn in, Jan. i. 
Soup kitchens, to help the numerous poverty cases, established in 
many parts of the city, January. 

Mme. Albani given a large public reception at Albany Club, Feb. 4. 
Albany Whist Club formed, and unites with Albany Chess Club, 

February. 
Albany Railway installs 1,000 h. p. engine and generator of same 
capacity in S. Pearl street power house, Feb. 27. 

State dog license, Chap. 448, Laws of 1896. 
Albany Railway increases capital from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000, 

March 
River opened (Government record), April 7 

Police signal-box system instituted (in 2nd precinct). May 

Dog-shelter contributors provide drinking basin before post office 
Northern Boulevard viaduct erected. May 

St. Margaret's House (Elk and Hawk streets) erected. May 

James W. Cox, M. D., most prominent homeopath, dies, June 9 
Dr. Thomas Hun, most prominent physician. Dean of Albany Med- 
ical College, President Albany Academy trustees, founder of 
the Kappa Alpha at Union, where he graduated in 1825. (b. 
Albany, Sept. 14, 1808) dies at his home. No. 31 Elk st., 

June 23. 



708 JOHN BOVD THACHER. No. 56. 

1896-1897. 

Steamboat Drew, of People's Line, goes out of commission, June 29. 
Steamboat Adirondack of People's Line built by John Englis of New 
York, 3,644 tons, 410x50x12 feet, 81x144 in. engine, first 
put in commission, leaving New York, June 29 

Albany Railway carries 9,511,556 passengers, year ending, June 30 
Captain Charles Gould (Co. A, loth Battalion) dies, July 4 

A'lasonic temple dedicated, Oct. 26 

Ernest J. Aliller (A. Card & Paper Co.) dies, Nov. 2 

Albany Boys' Club incorporated, November 

River closed (Government record), Dec. 16 

Gen. John Meredith Read, diplomat, U. S. Consul at Greece, his- 
torical writer, (b. Philadelphia, Feb. 21, 1837) dies at Paris, 

Dec. 27 



1897. 



Hon. Frank S. Black, of Troy, becomes Governor, Signal Corps 
acting as escort in inaugural parade, Jan. i. 

Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not 
elected on this date — John Boyd Thacher ; Common Council : 
Jacob Wirth, L Malachi F. Cox, IL John F. Donovan, IIL 
'^lichael J. Hogan. IV. Theodore P. Bailey, M. D., V. Hugh 
J. Slattery, VL William G. Sheehan, VH. James J. McKier- 
nan VHL John J. Brady, IX. George W. Smith, X. Elmer 
H. Havens,"xi. 'john E. Corscadden, XII. Fred Ebel, XTII. 
George H. Stevens, XIV. Joseph A. Clancy, XV. William H. 
Golden, XVI. Charles A. Pritchard, XVII. John M. Collins, 
XVIII. John Pauly, XIX. John F. Donovan "(III), president. 
Holding office on, Jan. i. 

The estate of Rensselaerwyck, at Rensselaer, 3 miles southeast of 
Nykerk (Nieuekerke) Holland, whence the A'an Rensselaers 
came originally, at this date a farm denuded of buildings. 

Founders & Patriots Society of America ( Albany Chapter) organ- 
ized, Jan. 8. 

Death of Herman Russ Palmer, son of Gen. John Palmer, (b. 
Albany, Sept. 9, 1869), Jan. 22. 

Beaver park funds further provided by Ciiap. 776, Laws of 1897. 

Swinton street changed from Maple st., March i. 

Albany Historical and Art Society purchases No. 176 State st., 

March 15. 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 11. 




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No. 56. JOHN BOYD THACHER. 709 



1897. 



First three chemical fire engines purchased, April 3. 

Albany Country Club constitution adopted, April 3. 

Home Savings' Bank new building, No. 13 No. Pearl st., opened, 

April 12. 

George H. Treadwell appointed manager N. Y. State Women's 

Relief Corps Home at Oxford, April 23. 

Steamboat Daniel Drew, of the Hudson River Day Line, goes out 

of commission. 
Rensselaer becomes a city. Dr. C. S. Allen (president of village of 
East Albany, formerly Greenbush) becoming mayor; bill passed, 

April 23. 

Mrs. John C. Cruger (nee Euphemia W. Van Rensselaer, third 

daughter of the Patroon, Stephen Van Rensselaer, who died 

1839) dies at Croton, N. Y. April 27. 

Lutheran Tabernacle Church (Clinton avenue north side, west of 

Northern Boulevard) erected. 
State dog license law case decided against by Court of Appeals. 
Tenth Battalion participates in State camp service near Peekskill 
(Major H. P. Stacpole), June 26-July 3. 

Col. Henry T. Sanford (16th Reg't, N. Y. Vols.) dies, July 19. 
Liederkranz Singing Society incorporated. 

Johnnie Conway, 5-year-old son of Michael J. Conway, a train 
despatcher living at No. 99 Colonic St., kidnapped by Joseph M. 
Hardy (an uncle) and H. G. Blake, and held for ransom of 
$3,000, Aug. 16. 

Mayor J. B. Thacher's proclamation offering $500 reward for return 
of Johnnie Conway and apprehension of kidnappers, Aug. 17. 
George Theodore Greeker, agent of The Times-Union, discovers the 
persons who kidnapped Johnnie Conway and gives notification, 

Aug. 18. 
John F. Farrell, Police Commissioner Phelan, Captain Riley (private 
detective) and Matthew Greagan drive out on Schenectady 
turnpike and secure Johnnie Conway near the Methodist church 
where he was held in confinement by Warner, 3 a. m., Aug. 19. 
Erastus Corning (b. Albany, June 16, 1827) striken with apoplexy 
while driving on Troy road, and dies at home of Dean Sage. 
Menands ; head of the Corning Iron Works at Troy and Breaker 
Is., prominent Democrat and philanthropist, with summer home 
and stock farm at Kenwood, Aug. 30. 

Police signal boxes placed in the 4th precinct, October. 

Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne chosen Mayor of Albany at the 
Charter election, receiving 8,172 votes as the Democratic candi- 
date ; his opponent, Selden E. Marvin, receiving 6,014 votes as 



•lO JOHN EOYD THACHER. No. 56. 

1897. 



the Republican candidate; George H. Stevens receiving 6,012 
votes as Independent Municipal Party candidate ; Robert H. 
IMoore receiving 1,754 votes; George DuBois receiving 108 
votes ; blank, etc., 932 votes ; total number of votes cast, 22,992 ; 
Van Alstyne's majority over Marvin being 2,158 votes he is 
declared elected mayor, Nov. 2. 

Rensselaer holds first municipal election and elects Bradford R. 
Lansing, mayor. Nov. 2. 

Albany Railway first operates cars into Rensselaer, Nov. 4. 

Carrie Turner ( wife of John Mack) a graduate of Albany High 
school, leading lady at Aladison Square theatre. New York, and 
starring in " Niobe," " Young Mrs. Winthrop " and " Crust of 
Society." dies, Nov. 13. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 20. 

• • • 
(See No. 60!) 







?m % "^i^jiSr ' ' ^'^%#' 



MASONIC TEMPLE. 

Erected by the fraternity of Albany under Euper\ision of Masonic Hall 
Association, James Ten Eyck, President; corner-stone laid June 24, 1895; 
dedicated Oct. 26, 1896; on site of first Lodge House owned by a Masonic 
Lodge in America (n. w. cor. Maiden Lane and Lodge st.) purchased 
Oct. 17, 1766, by Bro. Samuel Stringer, and erected in 1768; remaining 
property of Masters' Lodge until presented to Masonic Hall Ass'n in 1895. 



No. 57. 



May 1, 1&88 — May^-, 1890. 



No. 57. 

EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAKER. 

Date of office: May i, 1888-May 4, 1890. 

Date of election: April 10, 1888. 

Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: 11,766. 

Opponent: John Swinburne, M. D. 

Political party: Republican. 

Fote: 9,013 ; scattering, 22. 

Total vote: 20,801. 

Date of birth: May 20, 1848. . 

Place of birth: No. 87 Canal street. 

Parents: Thomas (M.) and Julia Pendergast. 

Education: Christian Brothers Academy and X^ormal School. 

Married to: Jennie M. Tiernan. 

Date: Albany, July 20, 1869. 

Children: (8) Thomas A., Edward A.. Julia M. (Geraghty), Jane 

Tiernan, Robert, Kathleen, Florence, John A. 
Residence: No. 270 Madison avenue. 

Occupation: Manager Albany Electric Illuminating Company. 
Religion: Roman Catholic. 
Title: Honorable. 
Remarks: President Union Railway Company, of New York city. 

General manager Albany Electric Illuminating Company. 

President South End Bank. School No. i completed. 




57. EDWARD AUGUSTIX AIAHER. 
1 888- 1 890. 
From a photograph made from life in 1903 and owned by The Albany 
Institute. 



No. 57. EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAKER. 713 

1888. 

(Continued from No. 56.) 
1888. 



Edward Augustin Maher sworn as Mayor of Albany, having been 
chosen at the Charter election held on April loth, when he 
received 11,766 votes as the Democratic candidate ; his opponent, 
John Swinburne, M. D., receiving 9,013 votes as the Republican 
candidate ; scattering, 22 votes ; total number of votes cast, 
20,801 ; Maher's majority over Swinburne being 2,753 votes, 

May I. 

Sir Thomas Henry Grattan Esmonde, M. P., received in Senate and 
Assembly, and honored with a recess for his reception ; speaking 
at Union Hall in the evening. May i. 

Charter election. Mayor, Edward A. Maher ; Common Council : 
Frederick W. Klarr, I. Christopher Fleming, H. John Bowe, 
in. Thomas Ansbro, IV. Philip Russ, V. James Brennan, 
VI. Edward F. Duffey, VII. Thomas J. Judge, VIII. ' Michael 
F. Conners, IX. John J. O'Connor, X. John R. Park, XI. 
Arthur F. Corscadden, XII. Clifford D. Gregory, XIII. Gar- 
ret A. Van Allen, XIV. John J. Greagan, XV. James G. 
Cummings, XVI. Jeremiah Harris, Jr., XVII. John V. L. 
Pruyn, Louis W. Pratt (at-large) ; John Bowe (HI), president. 
Election, April 10; sworn in, May i. 

Arcade proposed from Broadway, through Meads-Duer property to 
N. Y. Central station. May i. 

Strike of Knights of Labor employees of breweries. May 5. 

Emma Abbott sings opera " Martha " at Martin Opera House, 

May 7. 

Architects protest against removal of the stone ceiling of Assembly 
chamber, Mav 7. 

Roscoe Conkling memorial legislative meeting at Lark street rink. 
Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, orator, May 9. 

Legislature adjourns. May 11. 

Y. M. C. A. secures Riverside park, Greenbush, for evening athletics. 

May 14. 

Albany County Bank opens new building (s. e. corner Pearl and 
State streets). May. 

Public Market site (Hudson avenue, Grand and Beaver streets), 
buildings sold at auction by VVm. D. Dickinson, May 24. 

Sir Thomas LI. G. Esmonde presented with silver casket containing 
the freedom of the city (as voted by Common Council May 1st), 

Mav 26. 



714 EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER. No. 57. 

1888. 

Y. \V. C. A. established ( Xo. 128 State street), May. 

Memorial Day parade with James ^Macfarlane grand marshal. 

^lay 30. 

Patroon's creek sewer completed by Contractor Patrick ^McCann, 

June. 

Hawk street viaduct bill. No. 512. signed by Gov. D. B. Hill, 

June II. 

Dog show of good proportions in Academy of !Music (old skating- 
rink on west side of Lark street), Wm. C. Hudson, president, 

June 12. 

Steve Brodie, professional jumper of note since plunging from 
Brooklyn bridge, starts swimming from this city on June 24th, 
and beats the world's swimming record between Albany and 
New York, making it in 6 days and i hour, which is 9 hours 
superior to Capt. Paul Boyton's record, arriving in good form 
at New York, June 30. 

Komuk Club organized and leases the handsome brown-stone resi- 
dence at s. w. corner of \\'ashington avenue and Dove street, 

June. 

Albania Orchestra of expert amateurs organizes for instrumental 
work. 

Gen. Philip Henry Sheridan, born at Albany on Alarch 6, 183 1, a 
graduate of West Point in 1853 ; promoted to captain at out- 
break of Civil War in 1861 ; appointed quartermaster of the 
army in southwestern Alissouri, December, 1861 ; colonel of 
cavalry, May, 1862; brigadier-general of volunteers, July i, 
1862; major-general of volunteers, Dec. 31, 1862; commander 
of cavalry corps of Army of Potomac, April, 1864; brigadier- 
general in regular army, September, 1864; major-general, Nov. 
8, 1864; commander Department of Gulf, 1865-67; commander 
Department of Missouri, 1867 ; made lieutenant-general and re- 
signed by his General Orders No. 17 on Nov. i, 1883 ; succeeded 
Sherman as general-in-chief, 1883 ; rank of General conferred 
by the Congress in 1888 ; celebrated successful campaign in 
Shenandoah Valley and his famous victory of Cedar Creek 
(Sheridan's Ride), Oct. 19, 1864; dies at Nonquit, Mass., 

Aug. 5. 

Burns statue (MacPherson bequest) unveiled, Aug. 30. 

Board of Public Instruction elects Herman W. Lipman its (13th) 
president (succeeding W. P. Rudd of 1887). 

Hon. James G. Blaine speaks before 20,000 at Fair Grounds. Troy 
road. 




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No. S7- EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAKER. 715 

1888-1889. 



Melvil Dewey appointed secretary of Board of Regents and director 

of N. Y. State Library, Dec. 12. 

Albany Club (No. 102 State street) incorporated, Dec. 14. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 14. 



1889. 



Inaugural parade of Gov. D. B. Hill, G. A. R. posts and loth Bat- 
talion under Lt.-Col. Wm. E. Fitch, and address, Jan. i. 
Electrocution in force, Jan. i. 
Savings banks 'of Albany change from 354 to 4fc, Jan. i. 
Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not 
elected on this date — Mayor, Edward A. Maher; Common 
Council: Frederick W. Klarr, I. Christopher Fleming, II. 
John Bowe, III. Thomas Ansbro, IV. Philip Russ, V. 
James Brennan, VI. Edward F. Duffey, VII. Michael F. 
Conners. IX. John J. O'Connor, X. John R. Park, XI. 
Arthur F. Corscadden, XII. Clififord D. Gregory, XIII. Gar- 
ret A. Van Allen, XIV. John J. Greagan, XV. James J. 
Cummings, XVI. Jeremiah Harris, Jr., XVII. John V. L. 
Pruyn, Louis W. Pratt (at-large), John Bowe (III), president. 
Holding office on, Jan. i. 
Police department, to this time, governed by board of 5 commis- 
sioners. 
Two women murdered (Mrs. Lottie Lyons, at No. 53 Division street, 
and " Italian Alice " or Mrs. John Fletcher, at No. 39 Hamilton 
street). Jan. 2. 
Decision to organize Park Bank (Grange Sard, pres.), Jan. 7. 
School No. 4 site (corner Madison avenue and Ontario street) 
adopted, Jan. 21. 
Alderman John V. L. Pruyn. Jr., reports to Common Council that 
the committee has been able to secure but two portraits of 
mayors for the city's collection, Jan. 21. 
Albany Female Academy building portico standing on North Pearl 
street sidewalk discussed by aldermen, contemplating removal 
as nuisance, Jan. 21. 
John McEwen resigns as superintendent of penitentiary (to take 
effect on May ist). Jan. 22. 
Union College Alumni Association organized at Delavan House, 

Jan. 22. 
Assembly ceiling of papier mache or mahogany discussed, Jan. 25. 



7l6 EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAKER. No. 57. 



1889. 



John M. Peck, at No. 85 Clinton avenne, is swindled ont of $10,000 
by two men claiming- lo be real estate agents named Corning, 

Jan. 26. 

Hygeia baths, the first of the kind of any importance in citv, opened 
at No. 132 State street, Jan. 31. 

Coasting or "bobbing" carnival races on Madison avenue, illumi- 
nations and music by band, the long bob Alderman Connor5 
killing young Charles O'Hara, Feb. 2 

Telephone pay stations inaugurated, Feb. 10 

Penitentiary contracts (shoes) terminating, Feb. 15 

Albany Kennel Club's 2nd bench-show. Academy of Music, March 5 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 20 

Dr. John Swinburne, ex-mayor and one of the greatest benefactors 
ever in Albany, through his free dispensary on Eagle street 
dies, • March 28 

Centennial celebration of mauguration of George Washington takes 
Governor Hill with State troops and numerous Albanians to 
New York for parade and ball in Metropolitan Opera House, 

April 30. 

J.Iohawk & Hudson River Humane Society assumed as its changed 
title of Albany County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to 
Children, May 3. 

Charles Gottlieb Fasoldt, prominent manufacturing jeweler, cele- 
brated widely as maker of finest chronometers, inventor of the 
hairspring stud screw regulator, maker of the first 8-day watch. 
awarded medals for ruling 1,000,000 lines to the inch on glass 
to test microscopic lenses, (b. Dresden, Ger., 1818) dies. 

May 13. 

Johnstown, Pa., flood sufferers aided by city subscription, forwarded 
by the mayor, the Conemaugh valley dam bursting and 15,000 
drowning, May 31. 

Death of Harriet Langdon Roberts Parker, wife of Judge Amasa 
J. Parker, (third dau. of Edmund Roberts, b. Portsmouth, N. 
H., March 28, 1814; married there, Aug. 27, 1834) dies at the 
family home. No. 143 Washington ave., June 27. 

Albany Railway carries 4,047.473 passengers, year ending June 30. 

Savings banks of Albany increase interest from T,y2 to 4f/, July i. 

School No. I completed. 

Tenth Battalion participates in State camp service near Peekskill 
(Lt.-Col. Wm. E. Fitch), July 6-13, 

Florence Ouinlan miu'dcred in stable on Herkimer street by James 
P. Grace, July 31. 




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^O- 57- EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER. 



717 



1889. 



Samuel H. Ransom, stove manufacturer (b. Lyme, Conn., 1818), 
^'^^' Aug. 17. 

I.eland Opera House opened with " Lost in New York," inaugurat- 
ing cheap rates, and known as H. R. Jacobs' Opera House, 
. _ Aug. 19. 

Llectnc car on Troy cS: Lansingburg hue runs from latter place to 
city line of Troy, ^^g. 27 

Gen. James M. Warner appointed post-master (succeedin"- Dr. D V 
O'Leary), "^ Aug.' 28' 

John M. Bailey appointed surveyor of the port, Aug. 28. 

Ldward P. Waterbury (principal of N. Y. State Normal School) 

,, .^'«^S' Aug. 28. 

/. iVL A. deeds building (s. w corner North Pearl and Steuben 

streets) for $70,000 to D. & H. Railroad Company, Aug. 30. 

Normal College elects William J. Milne its (ist) president, (succeed- 
ing Principal of Normal School E. P. Waterbury of 1882). 

Armory stonework commenced (Washington avenue), Sept. i. 

Albany Theatre opened as Proctor's Albany Theatre,' Sept." 2." 

Maj. Charles H. Gaus one of team winning silver bowl trophy at the 
large rifle match at Sea Girt, N. J., September. 

Board of Public Instruction elects Charles H. Gaus its (14th) presi- 
dent (succeeding PL W. Lipman of 1888). 

State Fair, the 49th (James Wood, pres.) held at Albany (9th and 
last time). 

P. J. AIcArdle junk-shop (iron and rags). Arch and Church streets, 
burned and several killed. Sept 9' 

Hon. M. N. Nolan's steeple-chaser, Bourke Cockran (in 9 years won 
44 of 123 starts ; $21,732 in prizes), killed at Island Park course, 

Sept. 10. 

Samuel N. Bacon (head of Bacon, Stickney & Co., Dean and Ex- 
change streets, cofifee and spices), born at Harvard Jan ^5 
1829, dies, 'Sept. Ti; 

Electric cars of Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad Co. given a trial, 

Sept. 13. 
Assembly ceiling (material) case before Grand Jury. Sept. 13. 

Albany Railway granted franchise to erect trolley poles, Sept. 16. 
Assembly ceiling case closed, ' ' ggpt.' 19' 

Electric cars (8 motors) given a trial from West Troy bridge to 

barns at North Albany on Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad line 

(Wm. B. Van Rensselaer, pres.), Monday, Sept -73 

Electric cars of W. T. & R. R. Co. run (five cars) regularly from 

North Albany through West Troy (Watervliet), Sept 26 

Bradford R. Wood, lawyer (b. Westport, Conn., Sept. 30 1800)" 

^'^^' ^S'ept. 26 



7l8 EUVVARl) AUGUSTIN MAUER. No. 57. 



1889-1890. 



Armory corner-stone (Washington avenue and Lark street) laid by 
Grand Master James Ten liyck and Grand Lodge of Masons ; 
address by Gov. J). \'>. Hill; Col. Wm. E. Fitch commanding 
niihtary, Sept. 26. 

Harmanus iilecckcr Hall opened, addresses by liisho]) Wm. C. 
Doane, Judge Amasa J. Parker and Chancellor Henry K. Pier- 
son; poem by Wm. D. Morange ; ode by Irving Urowne set to 
music by Geo. E. Oliver, with i'^arlati's orchestra ; anthem, 
Haydn's "Achieved is the Glorious Work," (Fuller & Wheeler, 
architects), Oct. 9. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 4. 

West End Gun Club organized, Dec. 6. 

Albany Railway elects Robert C. l*ruyn ( sixth j president, Dec. 6. 

James A. Gray, piano manufacturer (b. in New York, 1815), dies, 

Dec. 9. 

John A. vSleicher ai)pointc(l State civil service connnissioner, 

Dec. 16. 

1890. 



Population of y\lbany 94,(^23. 

Population of the State (New York State) 5,997,853. 

Police department (by White charter) placed in l)ci)artmcnt of 
Pul)lic Safety, under a coniiuissioner. 

Board of Public Instruction elects Michael F. Walsh its (15th) pres- 
ident (succeeding C. H. Gaus of 1889). 

Col. Robert G. IngersoU the orator at State Bar Association's annual 
meeting, Harmanus Bleecker Hall, Jan. 21. 

Beaver park provided for by Chap. 449, Laws of 1890. 

Normal School cliartered as a college, Maixh 13. 

River opened (Cjovernment record), March 19. 

Albany Police Beneficiary Association organized, March 26. 

Edmund Lewis Judson (ex-mayor) dies, April 8. 

Albany Railway operates its first electric car, from Ouail street car- 
house to Broadway and back, Sunday, April 28. 

James Hilton Manning chosen mayor of All)any at the Charter elec- 
tion, receiving 13,552 votes as the Democratic candidate; his op- 
ponent, Howard N. Fuller, receiving 6,316 votes as the Repub- 
lican candidate ; scattering, 8 votes ; total number of votes cast, 
19,876; Manning's majority over Fuller being 7,236 votes he is 
declared elected mayor of Albany, April 8. 

• • • 
(See No. 58.) 




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No. 58. 



May 5, 1890 — May 2, 1892. 
May 3, 1892 — April 30. 1894. 



No. 58. 
JAMES HILTON MANNING. 

Date of office: (a) May 5, 1890-May 2, 1892. 
(b) May 3, 1892-April 30, 1894. 

Date of election: (a) April 8, 1890. 
(b) April 12, 1892. 

Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: (a) 13,552. 
(b) 12,781. 

Opponent: (a) Howard N. Fuller, 
(b) James M. Warner. 

Political party: Republican. 

Vote: (a) 6,316; scattering, 8. 
(b) 7,528; scattering, 30. 

Total vote: (a) 19,876. 
(b) 20,339. 

Date of birth: September 22, 1854. 

Place of birth: No. 16 First street. 

Parents: Daniel (M.) and Mary Little. 

Education: Public schools, Albany Free Academy. 

Married to: Emma Jane Austin. 

Date: Albany, October 22, 1879. 

Children: (i) Beatrice. 

Reside nee: No. 409 State street. 

Occupation: Publisher. 

Religion: Episcopalian. 

Title: Major. 

Remarks: Major Third Brigade, N. G. N. Y.. On first election 
received almost as large a majority as opponent received votes. 
School No. 10 completed, 1890 ; school No. 4 completed, 1892 ; 
school No. 6 completed, 1893 ; school No. 24 completed, 1893. 
President Weed-Parsons Printing Company. President Hud- 
son River Telephone Company. President National Savings 
Bank, January, 1904. 




58. JAMES HILTON MANNING. 
1890-1894. 
From a photograph made from life by Brown in 1903, and owned by The 
Albany Institute. 



No. 58. JAMES HILTON MANNING. 721 

1890. 

(Continued from No. 57.) 
1890. 



James Hilton Alanning sworn as Mayor of Albany, having been 
chosen at the Charter election held on April 8th, when he re- 
ceived 13,552 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent, 
Howard N. Fuller, receiving 6,316 votes as the Republican can- 
didate ; scattering, 8 votes ; total number of votes cast, 19,876 ; 
Manning's majority over Fuller being 7,236 votes, May 5. 

Charter election. Mayor, James H. Manning; Common Council: 
George Krank, I. Christopher Fleming, H. John Bowe, HI. 
Thomas x^nsbro, IV. Philip Russ, V. James Brennan, VI. 
Edward F. Dui¥ey, VII. James F. Martin, VIII. John F. 
Fitzgerald, IN. John J. O'Connor, N. Benjamin Mulderry, 
NI. ' Clitt'ord D. Gregory, NIII. Garret A. Van Allen, XIV. 
John |. Greagan, X\'. James G. Cummings, XVI. Thomas 
J. Giliooly, XVII. Louis W. Pratt, Thomas F. Mason (at- 
large) ; John Bowe (HI), president. Election, April 8; sworn 
in. May 5. 

Duncan Campbell, highly respected attorney, with office in Tweddle 
building and a private collector of Indian curios, dies at his 
residence. No. 11 Washington avenue, (funeral attended by the 
bar on loth). May 6. 

Legislature adjourns. May 9. 

Telephone Company vs. Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad Company's 
hnal testimony (because of injury by electric current to tele- 
phone service) before Referee Isaac Lawson, INIay 10. 

Judge Amasa J. Parker, foremost jurist and organizer of the Albany 
Law School, dies at his home, No. 143 Washington ave.. 

May 13. 

Albany Railway Co. offers 200 horses for sale at Central avenue 
stables. May 15. 

Grand Master Workman Terence Powderley in Knights of Labor 
parade, May 22. 

x'\lban^- Railway Co. equips Hamilton street with electric poles. 

May 25. 

Madison avenue (Lark to Eagle) paving contract, asphalt, $45,155.45, 
let, Aug. 3. 

Hawk street viaduct erected (Hilton Bridge Construction Co.). 

School No. 10 completed. 



722 TAMES HILTON MANNING. No. 58. 

1890-1891. 

Empire Curling Club chartered incorporated. 

Philip Livingston Chapter, Sons of American Revolution, organized 

at house of j\Iaj. Harmon P. Read, No. 236 State st. 
State Fair, the 50th, held at Syracuse and continuously tliereafter. 
River closed ( Government record), Dec. 3. 



1891. 



Charter ofificials holding office at tliis time, for the year; but not 
elected on this date — Mayor, James H. Manning; Common 
Council : George Krank. I. Christopher Fleming, II. John 
Bowe, III. Thomas Ansbro, IV. Philip Russ, V. James 
Brennan, VI. Edward F. Dufi'ey, VII. James F. Martin, VIII. 
John F. Fitzgerald, IX. John J. O'Connor, X. Benjamin Mul- 
derry, XI. Thomas Jones, XII. Clifford D. Gregory, XIII. 
Garret A. Van x\llen, XIV. John J. Greagan, XV, James 
G. Cummings, XVI. Thomas J. Gillooly, XVTI. Louis W. 
Pratt, Thomas F. INIaspn (at-large) ; John Bowe (III), presi- 
dent. Holding office on, Jan. i. 

Empire Curling Cliib rink (south side of Yates street, west of Lake 
avenue) opened, Jan. 5. 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 25. 

Albany Camera Club (X'o. 72 Chapel street) incorporated, April 27. 

Joseph Kline Emmet, originator of German dialect comedy on the 
stage, combining it with graceful dancing, singing of senti- 
mental or comic songs and yodling, born at St. Louis, Mo., the 
son of William B. Emmet and wife Evelina, on March 13, 1841, 
married Elizal^eth Webber of that city, July, 1864, attempted his 
original comedy in well-known character of" Fritz," at Academy 
of Music, Buffalo, Nov. 22, 1869, giving the second perform- 
ance in this city and continuing it here for two weeks because 
of its great popularity ; bought proi)erty on Van Rensselaer 
Boulevard and erected " Fritz Villa " (later " Wolfert's Roost " 
of Senator David B. Hill), traveling extensively abroad acting, 
and acquiring considerable wealth, dies at Cornwall-on-Hudson, 

June 15, 

Horatio Potter Stacpole made major of the loth Inittalion, June 20. 

Fourth Police Precinct station house jilans l)y \'\ II. Janes, Dove and 
Lancaster streets, accepted, Ji-^ty i- 

Adam Cook (ex-alderman, leather mercliant) dies in New York, 

July 17. 




FRITZ VILLA — WOLFERT'S ROOST. 

J. K. Emmet, actor, originator of German dialect comedy in conjunction 
with yodling songs and dances in 1869, made Albany his home about 1882 and 
erected a handsome residence on Van Rensselaer Boulevard which he named 
" Fritz Villa." He died June 15, 1891, and Sen. David B. Hill secured the estate, 
naming it " Wolfert's Roost." (From photographs by Cuyler Reynolds.) 



No. 58. JAMES HILTON MANNING. 723 

1891-1892. 

Tenth Battalion participates in State camp service near Peekskill, 
Lieut. -Col. William E. Fitch commanding, July 25-Aug'. i. 

Gen. John Palmer elected commander-in-chief of the G. A. R. at 
the National encampment at Detroit, Aug. 7. 

Gen. John Palmer escorted from depot to his home. No. 728 Madi- 
son avenue, by military bodies, Grand Marshal Shoemaker, illu- 
minations, Aug. 10. 

George W. Van Slyke, tobacco merchant at No. 471 Broadway (b. 
New Baltimore, Sept. 5, 1831), dies at home. No. 756 Madison 
avenue, Aug. 11. 

President Benjamin Harrison arrives here in afternoon and is es- 
corted by military bodies to stand before the City Hall where he 
is welcomed by Mayor Manning and speaks, Aug. 18. 

John G. ^Mills' residence. No. 921 Madison avenue, robbed of jewelry, 

Aug. 19. 

Rev. Dr. J, Livingston Reese, St. Paul's Church, resigns, Aug. 24. 

Simon W. Rosendale elected State attorney-general, Nov. 3. 

Judge William L. Learned dined on approaching retirement of 14 
years as Supreme Court justice (Dec. 31) by Lawyers' Club, 

Nov. 10. 

Times-Lmion first published, Nov. 17. 

State armory (Washington avenue and Lark street) opened. 

River closed (Government record), Dec. 25. 



1892. 



Roswell P. Flower becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Population of Albany 97,120. 

Albany Chamber ]\lusic Club organized, January. 

Harmanus Bleecker Hall floored over and used as ball-room by 

Misses Huybertie Pruyn, Grace Marvin and Louisa Parker, 

Jan. 5. 
Mrs. Scott-Siddons plays '" Check and Mate "" at Leland, Jan. 7. 
Consolidated Car-Heating Co. (Robert C. Pruyn, pres.) incorporated. 
Campanini sings at Jermain hall, Jan. 11. 

Albany Burns Club reorganized, Jan. 19. 

Emma Fames and De Reszke sing " Romeo and Juliet," Grau Opera 

Co., at Flarmanus Bleecker Flail, Jan. 25. 

Beaver park law (providing for) amended by Chap. 134, Laws of 

1892. 
Church of the Assumption on Hamilton street destroyed by fire, 

Jan. 2^. 



724 JAMES HILTON MANNING. No. 58. 

1892. 

Mme. Emma Albani and Mme. Sofie Scalchi sing- " Les Hugue- 
nots," Harmanus Bleecker Hall, Jan. 30. 

Grand opera (Grau Co.) at Harmanus Bleecker Hall throughout 
week ending Jan. 30. 

Albany Railway erects electric car barns at North Albany, Feb. i. 

Bishop Wm. Croswell Doane appointed member of Board of Re- 
gents, Feb. 10. 

Albany Railway leases AVatervliet Turnpike & Railroad Co. March i. 

Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society for the Prevention of 
Cruelty to Animals incorporated, March 8. 

Thomas McCredie, proprietor of large malt houses, No. 34 Clinton 
avenue, dies, March 25. 

River opened (Government record), March 31. 

Seneca street changed from Ontario square, April 18. 

Hon. John A. McCall (b. Albany, March 2, 1849), who had been 
made State superintendent of insurance April 23, 1883, and re- 
signed to become comptroller of the Equitable Life Insurance 
Co., in New York, Jan. i, 1886, becomes president of the New- 
York Life Insurance Co., Feb. 12. 

James H. Manning re-elected Mayor of Albany in recognition of his 
admirable, energetic administration, at the Charter election, re- 
ceiving 12,781 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent, 
James M. Warner, receiving 7,528 votes as the Republican can- 
didate ; scattering, 30 votes ; total number of votes cast, 20,339 ; 
IManning's majority over Warner being 5,253 votes he is de- 
clared to be elected mayor, April 12. 
• * • 

James Hilton Manning is sworn as Ma3^or of Albany, having been 
re-elected at the Charter election held on April 12th, when his 
majority as the Democratic candidate over James M. Warner, 
the Republican candidate, was 5,253 votes. May 3, 

Charter election. Mayor, James H. Manning ; Common Council : 
Henry J. Pflantz, I. Edward A. Durning, II. John F. Dono- 
van, III. Michael J. Hogan, IV. Philip Russ, V. Charles 
Tiernan, VI. Michael J. Brown, VII. James F. Martin, VIII. 
John F. Fitzgerald, IX. John J. O'Connor, X. Benjamin 
Mulderry. XI. Thomas S. Jones, XII. Edward B. Cantine, 
XIII. George H. Stevens, XIV. James H. Powers, XV. 
Michael T. Coleman, XVI. Kenneth J. Ferguson, XVII. 
Joseph Fisher, Charles H. Armatage (at-large). Charles H. 
Armatage (at-large), president. Election, April 12; sworn in. 

May 3. 



No. 58. JAMES HILTON MANNING. 725 



1892-1893. 



Steamboat General, named in honor of Gen. Daniel Butterfield, put 
on the passenger-freight line to Catskill, May. 

Marcus T. Hun, John J. Maas and E. Kearney appointed commis- 
sioners to a]ipiaise land for Beaver park, by Supreme Court, 

May 9. 

New water board, advocates of Kinderhook supply, appointed. 

May 12. 

Board of Public Instruction elects Judge William L. Learned its 
(i6th) president (succeeding M. F. Walsh of 1890). 

Thomas H. Dwyer appointed superintendent of school buildings 
(succeeding J. H. Oliver of 1887). 

Tenth Battalion goes to Buffalo and serves in railroad riots, 

Aug. 18-25. 

School No. 4 completed. 

Howard J. Rogers appointed superintendent of N. Y. educational 
exhibit at World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, October. 

Albany Railway reduces fare on hill hues 6 to 5 cents, Dec. i. 

Fort Orange Mills on Columbia street pier burned, Dec. 19. 

Albany City Band incorporated. 

River closed (Government record), Dec. 22. 



1893. 



Charter officials holding office at this time, for the vear; but not 
elected on this date — Mayor, James FI. Manning; Common 
Council : Henry J. Pflantz, L Edward A. Durning, H. John 
F. Donovan, 111. Michael J. Flogan, IV. Timothy J. Sullivan, 
V. Charles Tiernan, VI. Michael J. Brown, VII. James F. 
Martin, VIII. John F. Fitzgerald, IX : John J. O'Connor, X. 
Benjamin Mulderry, XI. Thomas S. Jones, XII. Thomas F. 
Mason, XIII. George H. Stevens, XIV. James H. Powers, 
XV. Michael J. Coleman, XVI. Kenneth J. Ferguson, XVII. 
Joseph Fisher, Charles H. Armatage (at-large) ; Charles H. 
Armatage (at-large), president. Holding office on, Jan. i. 

Charles B. Woolverton dies, Jan. 2. 

Rev. Edward G. Selden becomes minister Madison Avenue Re- 
formed Church. 

Third Brigade Signal Telegraph Corps organized, Feb. 15. 

River opened (Government record), March 31. 

Rt. Rev. Wm. Ingraham Kip, former rector of St. Paul's Church and 
author, (b. New York, Oct. 3, 181 1), dies at San Francisco, 

April 7. 



726 JAMES HILTON MANNING. No. 58. 

1893. 

Albany P'rce Library No. 322 South Pearl street (John A. Howe) 
incorporated. 

Albany P'emale Academy, Washington avenue, work commenced. 

April 20. 

Edwin Young, attorney for D. & H. railroad, dies (as result of fall 
from saddle-horse on Willett street), April 24. 

Monroe Crannell dies, April 26. 

N. Y. Central road's celebrated Columbian Exposition engine, " No. 
999," draws " Empire State Express " train at world's record 
rate of 112^ miles per hour, near Crittenden, N. Y., April 28. 

Argus trouble over control by factions culminates, April 29. 

Tivoli Terminal Warehouse, North Albany (Marcus T. Reynolds, 
architect), erected. May. 

Officers of the Holland warship Van Speyk, in New York waters 
attending Columbian naval pageant (Capt. Wm. Arnold Arri- 
ens), visit Albany, are given a luncheon by Mrs. John V. E. 
Pruyn and reception at Fort Orange Club, May 9. 

J. B. Lyon Fund for public improvement closed with looth sub- 
scriber making $100,000, on May 10. 

Rev. James PL Ecob, long pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, 
resigns because of dogmatic differences (parallel to the Dr. 
Briggs case), June 4. 

Theodore Y. Van Heusen (b. Albany, Nov. 11, 1818; Van Heusen 

6 Charles, crockery) dies at residence. No. 6 JNIadison place, 

June 15. 

Albert D. Fuller, superintendent of the Albany Orphan Asylum 
since 1879 (b. West Flenrietta, Mom-oe county, N. Y. Sept. 27, 
1850), dies of angina pectoris, having given universal satisfac- 
tion, June 18. 

Duke De Veragua, lineal descendant of Columbus, extended freedom 
of the city and given public reception by Mrs. James Kidd, No. 

7 Elk street, Jvme 26. 
Albany Rural Cemetery appoints Marion Randolph (5th) superin- 
tendent. 

Lemon Thomson & Co. burglary in Lumber District, July 5. 

Tenth Battalion participates in State camp service near Peekskill, 

Lieut. -Col. William E. Fitch, commanding, July 8-15. 

Rural cemetery interments number 78,081 (40,000 of which were 

brought from burial-ground, site of Washington park), July 15. 
Sir Walter Besant (British author) visits the city and Masonic 

lodges, July 17. 

Y. M. C. A. receives Edmund W. Booth as secretary, Aug. i. 

Police patrol wagon in service, Aug. 14. 






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No. 58. JAMES HILTON MANNING. ^2^ 

1893-1894. 

Beaver park ap[)raisers report, Aug. 16. 

Beaver park awards ($336,051.50) confirmed, Aug. 29. 

Pruyn (Robert 11. j jMemorial telescope first used at new Dudley 
Observatory, Aug. 31. 

Gov. R. P. Flower and starf leave for Cliicago to attend New York 
Day at Columbian Exposition, Sept. 2. 

King fountain of Closes Striking the Rock, in Washington park, J. 
Massey Rhind the sculptor, the gift of Henry L. King, dedi- 
cated with most imposing ceremonial, Gen. Horace K. Portet 
the orator, William D. Morange the poet, city officials present, 
a military parade and an orchestra discoursing music, Sept. 29. 

V^an Rensselaer Manor House that had been erected in 1765 under 
the guardianship of Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck for the young 
Patroon, Stephen Van Rensselaer, H., to the east of the Troy 
road and facing directly down Broadway, a few hundred feet 
to the north of Patroon's creek, whereat was the Lodge, taken 
down, stone by stone, to make room for business sites and rail- 
road tracks, the stones freighted, each numbered, to Williams- 
town, Mass., where to be re-erected in somewhat similar design 
as the fraternity house of the Sigma Phi Society, under Marcus 
T. Reynolds as architect, October. 

Schools Nos. 24 and 6 completed. 

Dudley Observatory, south of Lake avenue and north of New Scot- 
land avenue, dedicated in presence of the National Academy of 
Science, holding national convention here at this time purposely, 

Nov. 4. 

National Academy of Science convenes in Senate Chamber, Nov. 7. 

River closes to navigation (Government Record), Dec. 5. 

Albany Female Academy on north side of Washington avenue (No. 
155) formally opened, Dec. 11. 

Public hearing before crowded audience in Common Council cham- 
ber agitating the bringing on of the pumps (which had been \\ 
political slogan for more than a year), ordered from Milwaukee 
for pumping station at Ouackenbush street, Dec. 15. 



1894. 



Albany Theatre (n. W; corner South Pearl and Beaver streets'), 
James J. Dowling in " Captain Heme " there, burned, Jan. 6. 
Albany County Wheelmen (organized in 1886) incorporated, 

March 17. 
River open to navigation (Government record), March 19. 



728 JAMES HILTON MANNING. No. 58. 

1894. 

Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society (combining societies for 
care of maltreated children and animals) incorporated, first of 
its kind in the State, Chapter 292, Laws 1894. 

Oren Elbridge Wilson chosen Mayor of Albany at the Charter elec- 
tion, receiving- 13,145 votes as the Republican candidate; his op- 
ponent, James Rooney, receiving 9,636 votes as the Democratic 
candidate ; blank, 10 votes ; total number of votes cast, 22,791 ; 
Wilson's majority over Rooney being 3,509 votes he is declared 
elected mayor, April 10. 

District Attorney James W. Eaton institutes proceedings against 
Albany Evening Journal for contempt of court in the matter of 
reporting the Hughes Doyle case before Justice Clute, April 24. 

Methodist bishops of America hold convention and are given recep- 
tion in evening at the State armory, April 26. 

Legislature adjourns, April 27. 

Gov. Roswell P. Flower dines Alethodist bishops at Mansion, 

April 30. 
• • • 



(See No. 59.) 



No. 59. 



Mayl, 1894- — Dec. 31. 1895. 



OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. 
No. 59. 

Date of office: May i, 1894-December 31, 1895. 

Date of eleetion: April 10, 1894. 

Vote: 13,145- 

Political party: Republican. 

Opponent: James Rooney. 

Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: 9,636; blank, 10. 

Total vote: 22,791. 

Date of birth: October 10, 1844. 

Place of birth: Boston, Mass. 

Parents: Thomas (W.) and Louisa Manson. 

Education: New York public schools and Columbia University. 

Married to: (a) Martha Emma Brooks. 

(b) Josephine Julia Fourqurean. 

Date: (a) New York, November 8, 1867. 

(b) Providence, R. L, August 21, 1901. 

Children: (a) (4) Ernest Brooks, Carrie, May, Elsie. 

Residence: No. 20 Lancaster street. 

Occupation: Chief accountant Whitney's Dry Goods Company. 

Religion: Universalist. 

Title: Honorable. 

Remarks: School Commissioner, 1884. President Board of Edu- 
cation, 1886. Conducted a strictly business administration. 
Secured the powerful new Allis pumps for reservoir. Ap- 
pointed Water Board favorable to filtration plant. Materially 
increased paid fire department. 




59. OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. 
I 894- I 895. 
From a photograph made from life by Pirie Macdonald, and owned in 1904 
by The Albany Institute. 



No. 59. OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. 731 

1894. 

(Continued from No. 58.) 
1894. 



Oren Elbridge Wilson is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, having 
been chosen at the Charter election held on April loth, when 
he received 13,145 votes as the Republican candidate; his oppo- 
nent, James Rooney, receiving 9,636 votes as the Democratic 
candidate; blank, 10 votes; total number of votes cast, 22,791 ; 
Wilson's majority over Rooney being 3,509 votes. May i. 

Charter election, JMayor, Oren Elbridge Wilson ; Common Council : 
Henry J. Pflantz, I. Edward A. Burning, II. John F. Dono- 
van, III. Michael J. Hogan, I\^. Timothy J. Sullivan, V. 
Charles Tiernan, VI. Michael J. Brown, \TI. James F. 
Martin, VIII. John F. Fitzgerald, IX. John J. O'Connor, X. 
Benjamin Mulderry, XI. Thomas S. Jones, XII. Thomas F. 
Mason. XIII. George H. Stevens, XIV. James H. Powers, 
XV. Michael J. Coleman, XVI. Kenneth J. Ferguson, XVII. 
Joseph Fisher, Charles H. Armatage (at-large) ; Charles H. 
Armatage (at-large), president. Election, April 10; sworn in. 

May I. 

International Brotherhood of Bookbinders of America convenes in 
the City Hall, May i. 

Beaver park work begun, May i. 

Mayor Wilson abolishes, with a view to economy and reform, the 
positions of second clerk to mayor, assistant city clerk and clerk 
to civil service commission, May 4. 

Arbor Day celebrated. May 4. 

Constitutional Convention called to order by Secretary of State John 
Palmer, Joseph H. Choate elected president. May 8. 

Board of Supervisors elects Darius Rundell president. May 8. 

Rev. Thomas M. A. Burke, of St. Joseph's, nominated bishop, at 
Rome, May 18. 

Rev. James H. Ecob's resignation accepted by 2nd Presbyterian 
Church, May 21. 

Chief Thomas Willard orders removal of all slot machines, May 26. 

Jacob Leonard presents 19 acres to city for Beaver park. May 30. 

Seventeen-year locusts discovered by Entomologist J. A. Lintner in 
numbers in Rural Cemetery, building strange white chambers of 
soil above ground, June i. 

Woman Suffragist Association introduces measure through Mr. 
Moore's resolution to Constitutional Convention, June 7. 

Rev. Andrew V. V. Raymond, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church 
since March 10, 1887, becomes president of Union University, 

June 8. 



7Z^ OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. No. 59. 



1894. 



Gov. J. S. Hogg- of Texas calls on Governor Flower (absent) and 
speaks by request to Constitutional Convention, seated beside 
President Choate, June 21. 

Paul Jones, globe-trotter, having started nude and penniless from 
Boston, visits Press Club, June 22. 

Judge Herrick rules against Sunday baseball at Riverside park, 

June 21 

Economic Power & Construction Co. (to use compressed air as 
motor power) incor])orated by Messrs. J. B. and George H. 
Thacher, June 25. 

Rev. E. A. Watkins exposed in Albany, as a disturber, by letter from 
Judge S. Woodhouse of Morris Run, Tioga, Pa., June 27. 

Rev. Thomas M. A. Burke, pastor of St. Joseph's (R. C.) church, 
consecrated bishop, July i. 

Donnelly-McArdle trial in general sessions in New York (both Al- 
bany parties and "case celebre"), July 2. 

Hon. Galen R. Hitt (of Albany) sums up in defense of notorious 
■'Bat" Shea case; (indictment for murder in Troy election), 

July 3- 

Independence Day parade witli Joseph Fisher grand marshal, Wed- 
nesday, Julv 4. 

Knights of Labor United Brotherhood of Railroad Men strike at 
Chicago, led by Eugene V. Debs (Federal troops ordered to 
scene by President Cleveland because of interruption of mail), 
raises price of meat considerably in Albany, July 5. 

Hebrew Free School proposed, July 9. 

Dog-shelter provided on Elk street by benefactors. 

Y. W. C. A. buys No. 5 Lodge street. 

Irish-American League re-organized with John T. McDonough 
president, July 17. 

Odd Fellows' new hall (east side Lodge street) corner-stone laid, 
oration by Mayor Wilson ( Wm. Barnet, pres.), July i(S. 

Chu Hing, Chinese laundryman at No. 1035^ South Pearl street, 
shot by Chu Nong, laundryman on Washington avenue, dying 
instantly, Aug. 3. 

Chamberlain Charles A. Flills dies, Aug. 14. 

Contract for laying 30-inch pipe from new pumping station, Mont- 
gomery street to Prospect Hill reservoir, let, Aug. 14. 

Albany Railway operates electric express plant (depot, s. e. corner 
State and Dean streets), Sept. i. 

Labor Day parade and oration at Fair Grounds on Troy road by 
T. V. Powderly of Knights of Labor, John C. Seaman grand 
marshal, Sept. 3. 




ODD FELLOWS' HALL. 

The organization occupied the old Baptist Church building 
(s. w. cor. No. Pearl st. and Maiden Lane) until this building was 
erected at n. e. cor. Lodge and Howard sts.; corner stone laid 
July i8, 1894, with Wm. Barnet, President. 



No. 59. OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. 733 

1894-1895. 

Comptroller Roberts and Secretary of State Palmer conflict in pay- 
ment of veterans in State employ under new law, Sept. 6. 

Senator David B. Hill nominated for Governor by Democrats at 
Saratoga, Sept. 26. 

Unconditional (Rep.) Club, organized some years, incorporated. 

Golf introduced into Albany. 

Hon. William McKinley speaks before the City Hall. 

Signal Corps assigned quarters in rear of armory, October. 

Horse-show held at Ridgefield (first time), Oct. 29. 

Historical pageant for Albany Historical and Art Society building 
fund, at Harmanus Bleecker Hall ($4,209.73), Dec. 19. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 24. 

Delavan House destroyed by fire, Dec. 30. 



1895. 



Levi Parsons Morton becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Legislature convenes ; inaugural address by Gov. Levi Parsons Mor- 
ton, Jan. I. 

Charter ofiicials holding office at this time, for the year ; but not 
elected on 'this date — Mayor, Oren E. Wilson; Common Coun- 
cil : Henry J. Pflantz, L Emil C. Rosche, H. John F. 
Donovan, HL Michael J. Hogan, IV. John Wagner, V. 
Francis J. Dunn, VL John V. Hennessey, VH. Stephen J. 
Coffey, VIU. Daniel J. Murray, IX. George W. Smith, X. 
Thomas Wilson, XL John E. Corscadden, XII. Isaac D. F. 
Lansing, XIII. George H. Stevens, XI\". James H. Powers, 
XV. Howard Hendrickson. X\"I. John T. Cook. XVII. 
Robert H. Moore, Patrick McCann (at-large) ; Howard Hen- 
drickson (XVI), president. Holding office on, Jan. i. 

Search for Delavan House fire victims begun, Jan. 3. 

Electric lighting by city plant agitated at public hearing in City Hall, 

Jan. 10. 

Jacob D. Pohlman, court crier for many years (b. Albany, Dec. 12, 
1807), dies, Jan. 12. 

Delavan House fire victims numbering seven buried and two found, 

Jan. T2. 

Governor Morton given large reception by Adjutant-General 
McAlpin at No. i Elk street, Jan. 15. 

Albany Society (N. Y. city) organized. 



734 OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. No. 59, 

1895. 

Albany branch (Mrs. W. W. Crannell, pres.) of Indian Association 
decides to educate Sophie High Dog of Rosebud Agency, 

'Jan. 18. 

Gen. Ballington Booth (commander of Salvation Army) speaks at 

First Reformed church at 3 p. m., given reception at Madison 

Avenue Dutch Reformed Church and delivers address at Har- 

manus Bleecker Hall in evening, Jan. 19 

William F. Rathbone in Supreme Court makes test of law forbid 

ding State officials to use pass on railway, Jan. 19 

Tenth Battalion under orders because of Brooklyn trolley strike, 

Jan. 22 
Frederick P. Easton made State superintendent of public buildings 
(succeeding Hon. Michael Delahanty), Jan. 22 

Charles Bleecker Staats commissioned captain of Co. B, Jan. 25 
Governor jMorton given reception by Fort Orange Club, Jan. 22 

Driver Robert F. Gilmer thrown from Truck One, at Green and 
Herkimer streets, and killed, Jan. 23 

Mohawk Chapter. D. A. R., organized. Jan. 31 

Signal Corps' quarters in rear of armory furnished and occupied. 
Food exposition at Lark street rink, Feb. 4 

Snow blizzard delays traffic (14.2 in.), Feb. 8 

Executive Mansion robberv of Governor Alorton's dinner service, 

Feb. 8 

Gov. William McKinley of Ohio guest of Governor Morton a day 

and night at Executive Mansion, and guest of Unconditional 

(Rep.) Club at Kenmore hotel in evening, Feb. 12 

Albert Vander Veer, M. D., appointed member of Board of Regents 

Feb. 13 
New waterworks pump arrives from Allis & Co., Milwaukee, 

Feb. 15 
Major James Macfarlane (an owner of Press Co.) dies, Feb. 16 
AlHs pump tested, Feb. 17 

New Allis pump in service, Feb. 20 

Delavan House remaining portion to be fitted up as hotel, Feb. 20 
Speedway on Washington avenue agitated, Feb. 21 

Gansevoort Chapter, D. A. R., organized at home of Mrs. Abraham 
Lansing, Feb. 22 

Governor Morton signs bill prohibiting floating of foreign flags on 
public buildings, Feb. 22 

Bradley Martin jewel-box searched for in Delavan House ruins, 

Feb. 22 

Albany Road Lnprovement Association organized (Oscar L. Hascy 

pres.), Feb. 25 




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No. 59. OREN ELRRIDGE WILSON. 735 



1895. 



Adelphi Club makes test case of excise law affecting- clubs (serving 
drinks on Sunday) Court of Sessions, March 4. 

Rathbone railroad pass test case before Court of Appeals, March 11. 
Speedway bill introduced in Assembly, March 15. 

Beaver park funds provided for by Chap. 781, Laws of 1895. 
Living-picture bill (to prohibit) introduced by Senator Mullin, 

March 26. 
Hon. Hugh Reilly appointed presiding judge of State Board of 
Claims,^ ' April i. 

Albany Country Club buys property on Gt. Western Turnpike, 

April I. 

River opened to navigation ( Giwernment record), April 3. 

Howard J. Rogers completes publication " New York at the World's 

Columbian Exposition," April. 

Howard J. Rogers appointed State deputy superintendent of public 

instruction, April. 

Subscriptions started for a Speedway, Washington avenue (Quail 

to Manning- Boulevard), April 10. 

Mrs. John V. L. Pruyn and Bishop Doane head movement against 

woman suffragist agitators, meeting at former's house. No. 13 

Flk street, April 11. 

Captain John N. P^oster of Insurance Patrol dies, April 13. 

Charles H. \'an Benthuysen ( b. Albany, June i, 1842; partner in 

the Charles Van Benthuyseh's Sons printing-house) dies at his 

home, 19 Lafayette St., April 15. 

Argus loaned for one day by Editor Wm. McMurtrie Speer to 

women to issue edition for benefit of the Child's Hospital, 

April 18. 
Northern Bonlevard viaduct over N. Y. Central railroad specifica- 
tions approved, April 18. 
Hugh Hastings appointed State Historian, April 25. 
Steamboat General (Butterfield) of the Catskill line purchased by 

Newport News, Va., parties. 
Bender Bacteriological Laboratory erected. 

Signal Corps successfully heliographs to Altamont (17 miles). 

Speedway, upper Washington avenue, from Quail street westward, 

nearly one mile to Manning Boulevard, turf surface rolled and 

graded, opened by the Albany Road Improvement Association, 

(3scar L. Hascy president, expending over $4,000. July 4. 

Signal Corps successfully heliographs from Capitol to Prospect 

Rock, North mountain. Catskills (37 miles), July 4. 

Tenth Battalion participates in field service (Lt.-Col. Wm. E. Fitch). 

Aug. 19-24. 



736 OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. No. 59. 



1895. 



Horse-show of imposing proportions opened a second year on Ridge- 
field Athletic Club's grounds, Oct. 7. 

John Boyd Thacher chosen Mayor of Albany a second time, at the 
Charter election, receiving 11,030 votes as the Democratic can- 
didate ; his opponent, William J. Walker, receiving 6,752 votes as 
the Republican candidate ; Oren E. Wilson receiving 4,314 votes 
as the Independent Republican candidate; defective, 118 votes; 
total number of votes cast, 22,214; Thacher's majority over 
Walker being 4,278 votes he is declared elected Mayor of Al- 
bany, Nov. 5. 

Albany Railway fly-wheel of its Cooper-Corliss engine at South 
Pearl street power-house bursts, by accelerated speed, Nov. 12. 

Rufus William Peckham appointed an associate justice of United 
States Supreme Court, December. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 10. 

Albany Railway runs cars into Rensselaer, Dec. 18. 

Albany Academy Alumni Association organized, Dec. 28. 



• • • 
(See No. 56.) 



No. 60. 



Jan. 1, 1698 — Dec. 31. 1699. 



No. 60. 

THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 

Date of ofUcc: January i, 1898-December 31, 1899. 

Date of election: November 2, 1897. 

Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: 8,172. 

Opponent: (a) Selden Erastus Marvin. 

(b) George H. Stevens. 

(c) Robert H. Moore. 

(d) George DuBois. 
Political party: (a) Republican. 

(b) Independent Municipal partv. 

(c) • 
(d) 

Vote: (a) 6.014. 

(b) 6,012. 

(c) 1,754- 

(d) 108; blank, etc., 932. 
Total vote: 22,992. 

Date of birth: July 25, 1827. 

Place of birth: Richmondville, N. Y. 

Parents: Dr. Thomas B. (Van A.) and Eliza Gile. 

Education: Moravia Academy; Hartwick; Hamilton, 1848. 

Married to: (a) Sarah Clapp. 

(b) N. Louise Peck. 

(c) Laura Louisa Wurdemann. 
Date: (a) Albany, September 3, 185 1. 

(b) Albany, October 25, 1876. 

(c) Washington, February 17, 1886. 
Children: (a) (2) Thomas Butler, Charles Edwin. 

(b) None. 

(c) (i) William Thomas. 
Residence: No. 289 State street. 
Occupation: Lawyer. 

Religion: Baptist; 

Date of death: October 26, 1903. 

Place of death: No. 289 State street. 

Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery. 

Title: Judge. 

Remarks: Entered ^Mount A'ernon Lodge, F. A. M., October 4. 

1855. Master Mason, November 19, 1855. Master, 1858-61. 

Marshal, 1865. Judge County Court, 1871-82. Congress, 

1883-84. Albany Institute trustee. 




6o. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 
1898-1899. 
From a photograph made from life by Sterry, and owned in 1904 by The 
Albany Institute. 



No. 60. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 739 

1898. 

(Continued from No. 56.) 
1898. 



Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne sworn as Mayor of Albany, having 
been chosen at the Charter election held on Nov. 2, 1897, when 
he received 8,172 votes as the Democratic candidate; his oppo- 
nent, Selden Erastns Marvin, receiving 6,014 votes as the Re- 
publican candidate ; George H. Stevens receiving 6,012 votes as 
the Independent Municipal Party candidate ; Robert H. Moore 
receiving 1,754 votes; George Du Bois receiving 108 votes; 
blank, etc., 932 votes ; total number of votes cast, 22,992 ; Van 
Alstyne's majority over ]\Iarvin being 2,158 votes, Jan. i. 

Charter election, Mayor, Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne ; Com- 
mon Council : John A. R. Kapps, I. Malachi F. Cox, II. John 
Franey, III. Thomas D. Fitzgerald, IV. Justus H. Davis, V. 
Elsworth Carr, VI. Henry F. Tammany, VII. James J. 
McKiernan, VIII. John F. Fitzgerald, IX. Robert H. McCor- 
mic, Jr., X. Daniel Casey. XI. John E. Corscadden, XII. 
Fred Ebel, XIII. Frank Sisson, XIV. Joseph A. Clancv, XV. 
William H. Golden, XVI. Charles A. Pritchard, XVII. 'Frank 
Naukam, XVIII. John Pauly, XIX. John E. Corscadden 
(XII), president. Election, Nov. 2, 1897; sworn in, Jan. i. 

Robert G. Scherer appointed miscellaneous court reporter, Jan. i. 

Filter-plant work of construction commenced, Jan. 4. 

Alton B. Parker, of Esopus, N. Y. (in 1904 the Democratic candi- 
date for President), first presides as Chief Justice Court of 
Appeals, Jan. 10. 

T. Henry Dumary awarded Albany's largest contract, $300,000, for 
work of constructing the filtration plant at North Albany, 

Jan. 15. 

Lieut.-Commander Daniel Delehanty, son of former Capitol Com- 
missioner Michael Delehanty, appointed governor of Sailors' 
Snug Harbor, '"an. 15. 

Bicycle side-path bill for Albany county introduced by Senator Myer 
Nussbaum, representing Albany, Jan. 21. 

Snowstorm of unusual magnitude, precipitation 13.6 inches, blockad- 
ing traffic on railroads several days, Feb. i. 

John G. Ward appointed U. S. collector of internal revenue, 

February. 

Albanians shocked by the dispatch telling of the blowing up of the 
U. S. S. Maine at night in Havana harbor, Captain Charles 



740 THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. No. 6o, 

1898. 

I) wight Sig'sbee (b. at Albany on Jan. i6, 1845, ^''"^^ '^ gradnate 
of Albany Academy) in command, Feb. 15. 

Albany Gallery of Fine Arts (established some fifty years previous 
and forming a gallery of oil paintings) absorbed legally by the 
Albany Historical and Art Society, Feb. 17. 

Albany Historical and Art Society's building, at No. 176 State street 
( oi)posite the s. e. corner of the Capitol), opened for inspection, 

Feb. 22. 

Cixpt. James Levinus Hyatt becomes chief of police, Feb. 24. 

Albany Historical and Art Society building at No. 176 State street 
dedicated ; Mayor T. J. Van Alstyne, Bishop Doane, Rev. Dr. 
Walton VV. Battershall and George Douglas Miller, Esq., ora- 
tors, March 3. 

Secretary of Navy John D. Long appealed to by citizens to name 
one of the two cruisers building for Brazil after Albany. 

jMarch 15. 

United States purchases from Brazil the protected cruiser Almi- 
rante Abreu (the Albany) building at the Elswick Works of 
Messrs. Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth & Co., Ltd., at 
Newcastle-on-Tyne, Eng., for $1,205,000; length, 354 ft. 4 in.; 
beam, 43 ft. 9 in.; mean draft. 16 ft. 10 in.; displacement (nor- 
mal), 3,430 tons; tonnage (Suez canal), 1,121 tons; speed, 20.5 
knots; engine, 7,400 h. ]). ; protection deck, ij4 iii- at center, 
3-/1 in. on the slopes, and hull sheathed with 3^2 in. teak, 

March 16. 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 16. 

Capitol Commissioner (State Architect) Isaac G. Perry completes 
plans for creating or reconstructing Capitol park, by removal 
of extensive sheds wherein the work of stone-cutting had been 
conducted for twenty years, and advertises for bids, March 21. 

Decision by Secretary of Navy Long to name the cruiser Almirante 
Abreu in honor of Albany, March 21. 

Citizens concur with universal ])ublic opinion that the time is ripe 
to proceed in warfare against Spain, and rumored that Mc Kin- 
ley is holding back through lack of ammunition, March 25. 

Albany Fresh Air Guild (conducting \^acation Home at Canaan- 
Four-Corners, N. Y., where twenty children are sent for fort- 
night at a time) incorporated. 

Albany Chemical Co. (Gustavus Micliaelis, pres. ; Wm. T. ]\Iayer, 
treas.), located Nos. 2-24 Broadway, corner of Nine street, 
doubles the cajiacity of the ])lant and runs night and day pro- 
ducing a chemical essential in the manufacture of gunpowder, 
testing the highest in the country, for which the government de- 
lays in declaring readiness to engage in war. April I. 



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No. 60. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 74 1 

1898. 

Newspapers issue extras on receipt of cable that U. S. Minister to 
Spain Stewart L. Woodford had received his passports, and in 
danger of his Hfe is departing- from Madrid, and announcing 
thus a state of war between the United States and Spain, 

April 21. 

Crowds thronged before the bulletin-board of the Evening Journal 
on State street, next door east of James street, all day, raise a 
shout when the intelligence appears that the first shot has been 
fired, being in the capture by the United States of a sailing 
vessel, the Bucha Hura, with cargo of lumber off Florida, by 
the Nashville, April 22. 

Activity at the State armory in recruiting, physical examinations 
being conducted day and night, April 25. 

The First Regiment organized preparatory to entering the United 
States service in war against Spain, Companies A, B, C and D 
of the loth Battalion becoming Companies A, B, C and D of the 
new regiment, April 28. 

Citizens joyously surprised by cabled news that Commodore George 
Dewey entered Manila bay aboard the U^ S. S. Cruiser Olympia 
despite the fact that the entrance to the harbor had been mined, 

May I. 

The four companies that had enlisted in the ist Provisional Regi- 
ment leave the armory shortly after 9 a. m., and marching down 
Washington avenue and State street, northward along Broad- 
way between crowds reaching to the centre of the street, take 
special train for Hempstead, Long Island, to await orders at 
Camp Black, so named in honor of the Governor, May 2. 

Dr. Joseph Albert Lintner, State entomologist and an officer for 
years of The Albany Institute (b. Schoharie, Feb. 8, 1822), 
dies at Rome, Italy, whither he had gone for his failing health, 

' May 5. 

Elm-tree beetle seriously ravages the leaves, and wagon with exten- 
sion hose employed in checking it, many trees throughout the 
city bearing an odd appearance encircled by bands of cotton, 

May 10. 

Steamboat Onteora built by T. S. Marvel & Co. ; 1,213 tons, 250 feet 
long, 35 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 55 x 120 in. engine. May 15. 

Albany Country Club's house on Great Western Turnpike, north 
side of road and about four miles from City Hall, entirely re- 
constructed and enlarged, half-timbered style, Marcus T. 
Reynolds, architect. May 20. 

Spanish war revenue stamps in use here, but only limited quantities 
to be had, headquarters at First National Bank, June 17. 



74^ THOMAS JEFFERSOX VAX ALSTYXE. No. 6o. 

1898. 

Dog tax or license ( city ordinance ) passed on 20th, approved, 

June 22. 

Albany Hospital corner-stone laid by Grand Lodge of Masons, New 

Scotland avenue, June it,. 

Lieut. Thomas A. \\'ansboro, 7th U. S. Infantry, shot through the 

heart at the battle of El Canev, Cuba, and dies heroicallv, 

'July I- 

George Edward Graham, of Albany, witnesses the sinking of Ad- 
miral Cervera's Spanish fleet on leaving Santiago harbor, while 
standing on the bridge of the Brooklyn beside Rear-Admiral 
W. S. Schley, ' July 3. 

Corporal William Keeshan, 4th Infantry, killed at Santiago, July. 

Albany Savings Bank ( w. corner State and Chapel streets) sold to 
Albany county for $100,000. 

Captain ^Marvin B. Harriott raises fund to purchase delicacies for 
the Albany soldiers at Ft. Wads worth, July 4. 

Henry Martindale Kidd (lawyer) goes down on French liner La 
Bourgoyne in collision with the Cromartyshire, going eastward. 
60 miles south o£/Sable island, in dense fog, 5 a. m., July 4. 

First N. Y. ^'ols. ( Cos. A. B, C, D and G ) leave Ft. Wadsworth for 
San Francisco, July 7 

Captain John B. Rodman, located at Governor's Island ( formerly 
recruiting officer at Albanv). member Fort Orange Club, dies 

July 7 

Albany soldiers reach Chicago, July 9 

Legislature convenes in extraordinary session to consider funds for 
Spanish war necessities and soldier vote provision, Jvily 1 1 

Albany \Miist Club team leads in opening bout of national congress 
Boston, July 12 

Albany soldiers arrive at San Francisco, July 13 

"Albany Rangers" (organized by Col. J. Meredith Read) parade 

July 13 

Santiago surrender creates enthusiasm. 2 130 p. m., Thursday, 

July 14. 

Legislature passes bill appropriating $500,000 to provide State fund 
for military expense in connection with war with Spain. July 14. 

Albany Rangers learn that Governor Black will not accept their ser- 
vices ; that T. Estrada Pahuer of the Cuban junta cannot pro- 
perly allow them to go from the L'nited States to join Cuban 
forces and that Secretary of ^^'ar Russell A. Alger telegraphs 
there is no authority of law to allow mustering into L'. S. army, 
and forthwith disband under Commander J. Meredith Read, 

July 15. 




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No. 60. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 743 



1898. 



Legislature adjourns extraordinary session, July i6- 

Capitol park improved, following- its use by Capitol stone-cutters, 

July. 

Albany soldiers, ist N. Y. Vols., leave San Francisco on transports 

Lakme and Cbarles G. Nelson, for Honolulu, July. 

Myron H. Rooker (president of Press Co.) dies, July I9- 

Centennial Hall of St. Mary's Church erected. 

Prof. James Hall, State geologist (b. Hingham, Mass., Sept. 12, 

181 1 ) long a resident on property used for Beaver park, dies at 

Echo Lake, Bethlehem, N. H., Aug. 7- 

Capitol front approach beautified by bronze electroliers, Aug. 8. 

Albany Press Club occupies quarters on State opposite Chapel street, 

Aug. 10. 

Protocol with Spain (signed by U. Cambon, French Ambassador, 

and William R. Day, Secretary of State) creates enthusiastic 

excitement 4:23 p. m., Aug. 12. 

St Mary's school (Centennial building) corner-stone laid by Bishop 

Burke, Aug. 14. 

L O. O. F. Grand Lodge convenes in Odd Fellows' hall, Aug. 16. 

Albanians in bad wreck at Chester, on B. & A. road, Aug. 19. 

War correspondent of Associated Press, George Edward Graham. 

who was on the bridge of the U. S. cruiser Brooklyn during the 

destruction of Admiral Cervera's fleet at Santiago on July 3rd, 

arrives at Albany and is welcomed by a band and newspaper 

Alicr 22 

men, ^"f • ^- 

Fly-wheel of T Henry Dumarv's stone-crusher plant. Fourth ave., 
bursts, Aug 22. 

Rev. E. A. Watkins (reviler during sojourn here of Roman Catholic 
faith) suddenly absconds, Aug. 25. 

Capitol electroliers about the main approach first lighted, Aug. 29. 
Delavan hotel closed forever, to make room for new railroad station, 

Sept. 2. 

New York regiments ordered by War Department to Washington to 

muster out, Sept. 5. 

Troy City railway motor-car and D. & H. train collision, 18 killed, 

at crossing in Cohoes, Sept. 5. 

Gen. Franklin Townsend (ex-mayor) dies, Sept. 11. 

Empire Theatre (No. 102 State street) opened by Maude Adams 

in "The Little Minister," Sept. 12. 

Pump station at new filter plant construction commenced, Sept. 19. 

Mayor names a committee to secure fund to purchase handsome 

sword for Lieut.-Commander Daniel A. Delehanty of the Suwa- 

nee. Sept. 24. 



744 THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. No. 6o. 

1898-1899. 

Albany Rangers presented with souvenir medals by their former 
commander, J. Meredith Read, Sept. 24. 

Harmanus Bleecker Hall, after remodeling, opened for inspection, 

Sept. 28. 

New York Central railroad station work commenced, October. 

Knox street viaduct erected. 

William B. Page, head of Isaiah Page & Son, iron castings foundry 
on east side of Liberty street (b. Ghent, N. Y.), aged 49 years, 
dies, Oct. 30. 

Judge John T. McDonough (Rep.) elected State secretary, and 
Curtis N. Douglas (Dem.) State senator, Nov. 8. 

Lieut. Thomas A. Wansboro's body (arriving at Albany Nov. 9) 
placed in Co. B's quarters at armory, and military funeral held 
at St. Mary's Church, burial in St. Agnes' Cemetery, Nov. 10. 

Captain Charles Dwight Sigsbee (captain of U. S. S. Maine) and 
Commander Daniel Delahanty (commander of the Suwanee) 
given reception by the Albany Historical and Art Society, 

Nov. 13. 

Vacation Llome at Canaan-Four-Corners, N. Y., purchased by Fresh 
Air Guild. 

Hon. Flamilton Harris' wife dies, Dec. 11. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 11. 

Tenth Battalion arrives home from Honolulu, H. L, Dec. 21. 



1899. 



Theodore Roosevelt inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. i. 

Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year ; liut not 
elected on this date — Mayor, Thomas J. \^an Alstyiie ; Com- 
mon Council: John A. R. Kapps, L IMalachi F. Cox, H. John 
Franey, HL Thomas D. Fitzgerald, lY. Justus F. Davis, V. 
Ellsworth Carr, VL Henry F. Tammany, VH. James J. 
McKiernan, VHI. John F. Fitzgerald, IX. Robert FI. ]\lcCor- 
mic, Jr., X. Daniel Casey, XL John E. Corscadden, XH. 
Fred Ebel, XHL Frank N. Sisson, XI\'. Joseph A. Clancy, 
XV. William H. Golden, XVI. Charles A. Pritchard, XVII. 
Frank Naukam, XVIII. John Pauly, XIX. John E. Corscad- 
den (XII), president. Holding office on, Jan. i. 

Entomological Society organized, Ephraim P. h^clt, pres., January. 

The United States Protected Cruiser All^any launched, being the 
first warship of the U. S. Navy when in the possession of the 




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No. 60. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 745 

1899. 

United States Government ever launched abroad, and chris- 
tened by the wife of Lt. J. C. Colwell, Naval Attache to the 
U. S. Embassy in London, Jan. 14. 

Death of Gen. Selden Erastus Marvin, the Republican nominee for 
Mayor Nov. 2, 1897, while on a visit to New York; born at 
Jamestown, N. Y., on Aug. 20, 1835 ; Paymaster-General and 
then, in 1865, Adjutant-General under Gov. R. H. Fenton ; 
participated two and a half years in the Civil War; secretary 
and treasurer many years of the Corning Iron Works at So. 
Troy ; president of Hudson River Telephone Co., and treas- 
urer of 2^ religious funds, with residence No. 344 State st., 

Jan. 19. 

Howard J. Rogers appointed director Educational and Social 
Economy exhibition for the United States commission to the 
1900 Paris Exposition, January. 

Harry Hamilton Bender appointed State superintendent of public 
buildings, Feb. i. 

William Manning Van Heusen, lawyer, son of Theodore V. Van 
Heusen (b. Albany, May 5, 1865) dies at Pasadena, Cal., Feb. 3. 

Simon W. Rosendale appointed commissioner State Board of Chari- 
ties, - March 8. 

River opened to navigation (Government record), March 24. 

Mrs. Erastus Corning (Miss Mary Parker, daughter of Judge A. J. 
Parker), philanthropist and president of Women's Diocesan 
League, dies at No. 23 Elk street, Easter, April 2. 

George Rogers Howell, State Archivist, an author, and secretary 
of The Albany Institute (b. Southampton, N. Y., June 15, 1833) 
dies at Albany, April 5. 

Charles H. Turner appointed manager of N. Y. State Reformatory' 
for Women, Bedford, April 6. 

Albany Academy receives fund of $50,000 from Frederick P. Olcott, 

April. 

Marion Randolph (superintendent of Rural Cemetery), dies, 

April 21. 

Albany Rural Cemetery appoints James A. Burns (6th) superin- 
tendent. 

Albany Rural Cemetery superintendent's residence (Marcus T. 
Reynolds, architect) erected. 

Albany Savings Bank (s. w. corner North Pearl street and Maiden 
Lane) completed and first occupied, April 25. 

Ten Eyck Hotel opened. May 8. 

Albany City Hospital's first patient. May 15. 

Hudson River Line changed to Hudson River Day Line. 



746 THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. No. 60. 

1899. 

Emory Worth Howell (coal) dies, Aug. 3. 

Water filtration plant on Troy road in operation, September. 

Joseph Smith, author ( b. Charleston, S. C, March 9, 1832), dies at 
Saratoga, Sept. 14. 

United Traction Co.'s office, Uroadway and Columbia (Marcus T. 
Reynolds, architect), erected. 

James Henry Blessing chosen Mayor of Albany at the Charter elec- 
tion, receiving 12,364 votes as the Republican candidate; his 
opponent, Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne (the present mayor), 
receiving 9,995 votes as the Democratic candidate ; Oren E. 
Wilson (ex-mayor) receiving ^^2 votes as an independent can- 
didate; others, 157 votes; total number of votes cast, 22,848; 
Blessing's majority over Van Alstyne being 2,369 votes, he is 
declared elected, Nov. 7. 

Dr. Charles Edmund Jones, a prominent homeopathic physician and 
formerly president of the State 1 lomeopathic Society, dies at 
the Albany City Hospital following an operation upon him, 

Dec. I. 

Mavor \'an Alstyne appoints a Sheridan Memorial committee, 

Dec. 18. 

Steamboat Lotta that had run for about twenty years from Albany 
to New Baltimore, sold to parties at Charleston, S. C. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 23. 

First Automobile brought to Albany, by Archibald M. Dederick, 

Dec. 26. 

Albany Railway and the Tro\' Street Railway consolidated, becom- 
ing the Linited Traction Company, Dec. 30. 



(See No. 61.) 




CRUISER ALBANY LAUNCHED. 

This was the first warship of the U. S. Navy, when owned by this 
Government to be launched abroad. Christened at Newcastle-on- 
Tync, Eng., Jan. 14, 1S99, by wife of Lieut. J. C. Cohvell. Arma- 
ment : 10 hvc-incli, R. F. G ; 10 three-pounders, S. A. G.; 2 one- 
pounders, R. F. G.; 2 of .,-0 Cal. ant. g., and i three-inch field gun ; 
protective deck l '4. in. at center, y'z in. on slopes ; hull sheathed 2,Yz 
in. tea!:. (Photograph by Cuyler Reynolds.) 




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No. 61. 



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Jan. 1. 1900 — Dec. 31, 190L 



No. 6i. 
JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 

Date of office: January i, 1900-December 31, 1901. 

Date of election: November 7, 1899. 

Political party: Republican. 

Vote: 12.364. 

Opponent: Thomas J. Van Alstyne. 

Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: 9.995; O. E. Wilson, 332; others, 157. 

Total vote: ^ 22.848. 

Date of birth: September 14, 1837. 

Place of birth: French's Mills, Albany county, N. Y. 

Parents: Frederick I. (B.) and Lucinda Smith. 

Edncation: Common school. 

Married to: (a) Martha Hutson (d. July 17, 1866). 
(b) Mary Gilson. 

Date: (a) Albany, September 15, 1857. 
(b) Pittsfield, November 9, 1870. 

Children: (a) (2) Lucinda, Martha (Backus), d. Jan. 5, 1907. 
(b) None. 

Residence: No. 107 Eagle street. 

Occupation: Inventor and manufacturer of steam traps. 

Religion: Baptist. 

Title: Llonorable. 

Remarks: Supervisor (fifth ward), 1854-55. President of Board 

of Supervisors, 1855. Construction department. New York 

Navy Yard, 1862-64. Under Commodore Porter as 3d 

Assistant Engineer, March 29, 1864. First Mayor under the 

new charter. School No. 12 completed, 1901, and erection of 

first public bath. 




6i. JA^IES HENRY BLESSING. 
1900-igoi. 
From a pliotngraph made from life in 1899 by The Albany Art Union, and 
owned bv The Albany Institute. 



No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 749 

190 0. 

(Continued from No. 60.) 
1900. 



James Henry Blessmg is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, having 
been chosen to succeed Mayor Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne 
at the Charter election held on Nov. 7, 1899, when he received 
12,364 votes as tlie Republican candidate; his opponent, Thomas 
J. Van Alstyne, receiving 9,995 votes as the Democratic can- 
didate ; Oren E. Wilson, receiving 332 votes as the independent 
or business men's candidate; others, 157 votes; total number 
of votes cast, 22,848; Blessing's majority over Van Alstyne 
being 2,369 votes, Jan. i. 

Charter election. Mayor, James Henry Blessing; Common Council: 
Joseph Besch, I. John W. Griggs, H. John Franey, HI. John 
J. Howe, IV. Peter H. Reynolds, V. Ellsworth Carr, VI. 
William H. Hines, VII. Thomas F. Martin, VIII. oseph F. 
Leddy, IX. Peter Keeler, X. John Andrews, XI. James 
Malov, XII. Newton W. Thompson, XIII. Frank N. Sisson, 
XIV.' Edmund A. Walsh, XV. Frederick J. Barends, XVI. 
Richard Hughes, XVII. Frank Naukam, XVIII. Mathias E. 
Keim, XIX. Thomas D. Fitzgerald, president. Election, Nov. 
7, 1899; sworn in, Jan. i. 

Opening of the new century generally observed by special exercises 
in many of the churches, the firing of cannon, ringing of the 
chimes of St. Peter's Church and the Cathedral of the Immacu- 
late Conception and a " midnight mass " celebrated before an 
immense audience in the latter by Bishop Burke. Jan. i. 

Population of the city at this time 94,151; of the county, 165,571 ; 
of the State, 7,268,894; of the United States, 75,568,686, the 
latter figure including 91,219 persons in the military and nava! 
service of the United States (civilian employees, etc.) stationed 
abroad, not credited to any state or territory, Jan. i. 

Savings banks change rate of interest from 4% to 3^%, Jan. i. 

Albany city real estate valued at $59,790,690; personal at $9,237,194; 
rate of taxation per $1,000 fixed at $21.40, Jan. i. 

Maiden Lane bridge of the Hudson River Bridge Co. (N. Y. Cen- 
tral road) reconstruction completed by Pencoyd Bridge Co., ex- 
cepting the draw, Jan. 3. 

Legislature convenes and listens to the reading of Gov. Roswell P. 
Flower's " Message," Jan. 3. 

Howard P. Foster becomes chief of police, Jan. 6. 



750 JAMES HENRY I5LESS1NG No. 6l. 

1900. 

Chamber of Commerce org-anized (Joel W. r)ur(lick, pres. ; Wm. B. 
Jones, sec.j, Jan. g- 

Albany Society dinner held at Dclmonico's in New York, Louis 
Stern elected president, Jan. lo- 

Statue of Dr. Edward Austin Sheldon, " Father of Normal School 
System," executed by Geo. Francis Brines in bronze, unveiled 
in rotunda of Senate stairway of Capitol, Jan. ii. 

Methodists hold jubilee in First M. E. Church, having freed all 
churches of denomination in Albany of debt, Jan. ii. 

Edwin S. Sterry, photographer, dies, Jan. 14. 

State Bar Association annual meeting;. Justice Brown of U. S. Su- 
preme Court delivering address, " Liberty of the Press," in 
Assembly chamber, followed by reception at Fort Orange Club, 

Jan. 1 6. 

L^nited Traction Co.'s Troy division motor-men and conductors go 
out on strike, Jan. 22. 

Gorge at Cedar Hill becomes solid and alarming, Jan. 27. 

Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons holds 103rd convocation at 
Temple, Feb. 6. 

Freshet (greatest in 43 years), 20 feet above normal level, causing 
great suffering in southern section of city, Feb. 14. 

John D. Whish appointed secretary of State Forest, Fish and Game 
Commission. 

Capt. Angus McD. Shoemaker, Civil war hero and school com- 
missioner (born Albany, April 9, 1844), dies, Feb. 27. 

Rev. William D. Prall assumes rectorship of St. Paul's (Epis.) 
Church, i\Iarch 2. 

Y. M. A. accepts tender of " Pruyn Library," March 5. 

St. Agnes' Cemetery acquires 75 acres, estate of late Wm. Howard 
.Hart, south of its property, March 9. 

Sloan's hotel, famous hostelry on Western turnpike, destroyed by 
fire, March 14. 

Rabbi Isaac IMayer Wise, author ( b. Stcingrub, Bohemia, March 28, 
1819.) Dies at Cincinnati, March 26. 

Painters and Decorators Union No. 201 institute strike, April i. 

River open to navigation, (Government record), April 2. 

Legislat.ire adjourns, April 6. 

Maj. Frank Rockwell Palmer, loth Battalion, city comptroller, (mili- 
tary funeral), dies, April 21. 

Thomas D. Coleman, ])roprictor of brewery, dies, April 23. 

Albany Trust Co. organized, May i. 

Carpenters and Plumbers unions start building trades strike, ]\tay 2. 





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I^'q 5j_ JAMES HEXRV BLESSING. 



751 



Mai. James L. Hyatt elected commander Tenth Battalion. May 5- 
T ast sDrine snow of season. • 

sSmtoat'Alice May put on fne Xew Ealt.more hne. ^^^^ ^^ 
T p<;t killino- frost of the season, , v . c " • ^^, 

m m I^titu.e unites with th. Albany Historical and Art boae^, 
electing Judge William L. Learned .ts pres.dent, and^Cnxkr 
Reynolds its curator, - 

Children's playground in Beaver pork uiaugurated, Ma> i^. 

Canal stree? changed to Sheridan avenue, ordn.ance passed.^^^^ ^^^ 

Tohn Blackburn, coal dealer, dies. • 1 - 1 t nhnr^alorv 

Geor-e AI Bender, donor of Bender Bacteriological Laborator> 
vjcuij,c *i. May 24. 

Becate'of the war w.th Spain (declared on ^pr. ^ijM) the 
U S Protected Crusier Albany which had been bottght trom 
Braza for 51,205,000 on March 16, 1898. could not be placed 
hrcommission unt.l the dose and -^^?o^^S^^ '^ itT^^ t 
ship-vards of the Armstrong Co. " .^ "^■<=^^";.:°",^5 "J °\t„ 
,, iSqo was not placed in commission until this da) when 
a crw from this country was put aboard. Her complement 
?on Ss of 19 officers and 3^9 men; her speed 20.5 knots by 
one enline of 7.400 h.p, : her armament consists of 10 five- 
Th R F G,: 10 three-pounders, S, A. G. ; 2 one-pounders_ 
R F. G.; 2 of .30 Cal. automatic guns, and , three-inch field 
<n,n • hull sheathed with teak 3.'o inches thick, -\la> -9- 

AlbrRal;^i;opens its new o..ce buildmg - the -rthw^t c.rn^ 
of Broadway and Columbia sts.. Marcus T. Re>nold... ar^chitect, 

X. Y. Central Railroad reconstructs viaduct over X. ^^^^^;;"^>'' ^, 

Toshua Howard King, president Albany ^Y'^^l^^eX^loT' 
■ National Bank and Albany Ins. Co., dies. Ridgefield. Conn..^^ 

Crane-root worm ravages fruit. 

Col Tames Hendrick, insurance, with office for m:,ny years „, the 
M^,^ inf or Marble Pillar Building at northwest corner o 
Broadway and State streets, dies at his country-seat. ^ Fo.it 
Grove. Slingerlands, ^^^ ^^ 

"Rpv Georo"e P. Wilson dies, . . /* ^' . 

AHss Mat Ida Douw of Albany, confined during the critically senous 
-Boxer- uprising with the United States legation at Pekm, 
having been besieged for several weeks by the riotous Qunese, 
is liberated with the others, ' •'-• ^ 



752 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l. 

1900. 

Louis Menand. noted horticulturist and author, the orii^inal founder 
of Menands, three miles north of Albany, (b. Buroundy, 
France, on Aug". 2, 1807), dies at his home at Menands, 

Aiiff. 15- 

Albany Savings Bank elects Wm. Bayard Van Rensselaer its (8th) 
president to succeed J. Howard King who died on July i8th, 
having been its president since 1886, Aug. 15. 

Tenth Battalion participates in field service under Mai. Horatio P. 
Stacpole. Aug. 18-25. 

Peter Gantz, w^ith the 7th Heavy Artillery during the Civil War, 
dies, Aug. 25. 

Garrett Vander Veer, a popular young man, the son of Dr. Albert 
Vander Veer, dies, Aug. 27. 

Hon. William J. Morgan, State Comptroller and for about a score 
of years the deputy (b. Canada, 1840) dies r.t his home. No, 
I Maine ave. (burial at Buffalo), Sept. 5. 

Stephen White Whitney, many years connected with the Albany 
Gas Light Co., the basso of St. Peter's Church, dies at his 
home. No. 487 State st.. aged 78 years. Sept 11. 

Lansing Merchant's widow, Isabella, dies at her home. No 30 
Willett St., Sept. 11. 

Cantine Tremper for a great many years connected with the office 
of the Albany Railway (b. Kingston, N. Y., on May 26, 1882), 
dies at his home. No. 695 Broadway, Sept. 14. 

Rev. Clarence Arnold Walworth, pastor of St. Mary's Church and 
author, (b. Plattsburg on IMay 30, 1820), dies at the s. w. cornei 
of Chapel and Steuben streets, parish house, Sept. 19. 

Edward Ogden, architect of the Albany High School, the N. Y, 
State Normal College on cast side of Willett near Madison 
ave., of Hotel Kenmore (erected in 1878) and several other 
prominent buildings, ( b. Sandgate. Eng.) aged y^i years, dies 
at his home. No. 252 Hamilton street, Sept. 21. 

New York State National Bank elects Vice-Pres. Ledyard Cogswell 
its (6th) president, to succeed J. Howard King, deceased. 

Sept. 27. 

John D. Parsons, publisher of prominence (Weed & Parsons on 
north side of Columbia, r.ext n. w. corner of Broadway) born 
at New Baltimore on April 2", 1815, dies at his home, No. 8 
Hall Place, Sept. 28. 

Coal famine caused by strike in the anthracite region of Pennsyl- 
vania, and a consequent doubling of prices, .Sept. 30. 




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No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 753 



1900. 



Captain Robert Davidson, of the 2nd Precinct police force, a rnost 
popular citizen and for 41 years connected vyith the Depart- 
ment, dies of heart faihire at his desk of the 2nd PoHce Precinct 
station in the n. w. corner of the first floor of the city bvr.lding 
on So. Pearl street, Oct. 9. 

" Count " Max Shinburn, a notorious bank robber, sometime resi- 
dent of the Alaiden Lane jail released from CHnton prison, 

Oct. 9. 

Albany County Bar Association incorporated, Oct. 12. 

Racquette Club organized, with building- on Yates, west of Lexing- 
ton ave. 

Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 20. 

Large Republican parade and address by Postmaster-General Charles 
Emory Smith, formerly of Albany editorial work, at Harmanus 
Bleecker Hall, Oct. 29. 

Earliest autumn snow of the season, Nov. 9. 

Miss Lina Bartlett Ditson. class poet of the Albany High School 
and the author of three historical novels (b. Albany, Tan. 15, 
1879) dies at New York cfty, Nov. 14. 

Albion Ransom, famous as a manufacturer of stO\^es, (b. Albany) 
aged '/'J years, dies suddenly in New York city, Nov. 15. 

John H. Rathbone, son of Gen. John F. Rathbone, dies at Oxnard, 
Cal., ' Nov. 16. 

James T. Story, prominent brewer and Mason, (b. Albany, Feb. 19, 
1836) dies. Nov. 18. 

Curfew law advised by action of Ministerial Association. Nov. 19. 

Ex-Alderman John E. Corscadden becomes superintendent of the 
Albany Penitentiary, Dec. i. 

River closed to navigation, (Government record), Dec. 10. 

Miss Ellen Campbell dies, leaving $50,000 to Albany Hospital, and 
sums to other charities, Dec. 11. 

Hon. Hamilton Harris, prominent lawyer, attorney for the N. Y. 
Central railroad at Albany, one of the original new Capitol 
commissioners, (b. Preble. Cortland co., N. Y., May i, 1820) 
dies at his residence. No. 723 Broadway, Dec. 14. 

Michael Mead, captain of detective force, dies, December. 

N. Y. Central Railroad's new station formally opened, Dec. 17. 

Albany Hospital learns of bequest of $50,000 from Miss Ellen 
Campbell of this city, recently deceased, Dec. 22. 

Rev. Fidelis AI. A'oight, former pastor of Our Lady of Angels' 
Church, (b. Indiana, Feb. 21, 1855) dies at Trenton, N. J., 

Dec. 26. 



754 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l. 



1900-1901. 



First automobile owned in ihis city (steam motor-power) arrives 
for Archibald M. Dederick Dec. 2b. 

Geological Society of America's 13th convention held in the Albany 
Academy building, Dec 27. 

Capt. Edgar V. Denison, connected many years with the R. G. Dun 
Mercantile agency and a military enthusiast, (b. BrDokfield, 
N. Y., 1850) dies at his home on Leonard Place, Dec. 30. 



1901. 



Benjamin B. Odell, Jr., of New burgh, becomes Governor, Jan. i. 

Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not 
elected on this date — Mayor, James H. Blessing; Common 
Council : Joseph Besch, I. John W. Griggs, II. John Franey, III. 
John J. Howe, IV. Peter H. Reynolds, V. Ellsworth Carr, 
VI. William H. Hines, VII. Thomas F. Martin, VIII. Joseph 

F. Leddy, IX. Peter Keeler, X. John Andrews, XI. James 
Maloy, XII. Newton W. Thompson XIII. Frank N. Sisson, 
XIV. Edmund A. Walsh, XV. Frederick J. Barends, XVI. 
Richard Hughes, XVII. Frank Naukam, XVIII. Mathias E. 
Keim, XIX. Thomas D. Fitzgerald, president. Holding office 
on, Jan. i. 

Albany & Hudson electric road, by third rail system, opened^, 

January. 

Albany Society banquet at Delinonico's, New York, electing Louis 
Stern president, Jan. 9. 

Rev. David L. Schwartz, former rector ot Grace Episcopal Church, 
dies at Lakewood, N. J., Jan. 14. 

Third Brigade Signal Corps disbands and Troop B organizes, 

Jan. 15. 

Stephen Van Rensselaer Town>-end, attorney, moved since starting 
practice to New York city, the son of the late Howard Town- 
send, M. D., of No. 15 Elk St., dies at Hempstead, L. I., 

Jan. 15. 

Chinese Minister to the United States Wu Ting-fang, LL.D. Har- 
vard graduate, guest of the N. Y. State Bar Association, a 
visitor to the city and entertained at the home of Col. William 

G. Rice (n. e. corner of Washington ave. and Dove st.) delivers 
an address at Harmanus Bleecker Hall in the evening, Jan. 15. 

Bishop Doane addresses the N. Y. State Bar Association on " Uni- 
form Divorce Laws," Jan. 17. 




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No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 755 

1901. 

Ezra Parmelee Prentice, lawyer of Cliicago, resident of Albany until 
nearly of age, marries John D. Rockefeller's daughter. Alta, at 
New York, Jan. 17. 

Joseph C. Yates Paige, chief clerk of the U. S. Comptroller of 
Currency, (b. Albany) aged 51 years, dies at Washington, 
D. C, Jan. 21. 

Warren Leland, Jr., dies in New York city, Jan. 21. 

Gansevoort DeWandelaer Hurlburt, attorney with office in Van 
Vechten Hall, his country-seat at Glenmont, upon the eminence 
west of " The Abbey," son of Elisha W. Hurlburt, (b. Newport, 
N. Y., Nov. 8, 1857) dies. Jan. 22 

Queen Victoria's death this day recognized by liberal decorations of 
mourning, Jan. 22 

William Cagger dies in r>rook!yn, January 

Albany Racquet Club buys land for house on north side of Yates 
St., west of Lexington ave., Jan. 30 

State Medical Society banquet at Hotel Ten Eyck, Jan. 30 

Harry H. Bender re-appointed State superintendent of public build- 
ings, Feb. I. 

John Henry Farrell, proprietor of The Times-Union, which papers 
he consolidated in 1891, and previously a member of the Press 
Co., as a proprietor and editor issuing the Press & Knicker- 
bocker in 1877, (b. Kenwood, Sept. 1, 1839) dies at his home, 
No. 598 Madison ave., and is widely mourned as one of the 
city's energetic men who have its interests at heart, Feb. 2. 

Queen Victoria memorial service conducted in All Saints' Cathedral 
by Bishop Doane and Dean Wilford L. Robbins, at hour of 
funeral, Feb. 2. 

Mrs. Celestia Sigsbee, mother of Admiral Charles Dwight Sigsbee 
(captain of the U. S. S. Maine when blown up at Havana, Feb. 
15, 1898), who was born to her at No. 20 Spring st., this city, 
(Jan. 16. 1845), dies at Otogo, N. Y., Feb. 4. 

John Marshall centennial ceremonies in Assembly Chamber by the 
N. Y. State Bar Association, Hon. John F. Dillon, of New 
York, orator, Feb. 4. 

Robert C. Pruyn, President of the National Comn.ercial Bank and 
of the Albany Railway, chosen Regent at joint session of 
Legislature, Feb. 13. 

Ex-Gov. Alonzo B. Cornell visits Governor Odell at the executive 
chamber, the last time before his death, Feb. 14. 

Ten Broeck B. Mayell, rubber goods, dies, Feb. 19. 

Governor Odell gives the annual public evening reception, Feb. 18. 



75^ JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l. 

1901. 

Bath annexation ( to Rensselaer ) l^ill passed by Senate, Feb. 19. 

Livingston avenue railroad bridge of the N. Y. Central road offered 
for sale at $40,000 to prospective organizers of a -traffic bridge, 

Feb. 20. 

"White Rats" (theatrical vaudeville union) strike spreads to Al- 
bany and creates trouble in the city, Feb. 22. 

Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens) speaks for the Society of Osteo- 
paths in the Assembly (Thamber, crowding the immense room, 
on " Should Osteopaths Practice without Passing State Medical 
Examination ? " Feb. 27. 

Sections of History and Literature organized by The Albany In- 
stitute and Historical and Art Society, reviving working de- 
partments of the old Listitute, lectures and collections, Feb. 27. 

Maude Gonne, Irish agitator, speaks at the Empire theatre, Feb. 28. 

Three Syrians asphyxiated by gas on Grand street, ]\ larch 2. 

Benjamin Gillespy Myers, brother of John G. Mye:s (b. Saugerties, 
1829), dies at his home on Clinton ave., March 5. 

Bath annexation (to Rensselaer) bill passed by Assembly, March 6. 

Citizens shocked by the news posted on bulletin board? announcing 
the death of ex-President Benjamin Harrison, arbitrator of the 
Venezuela-Great Britain dispute, at his Indianapolis home of 
affection of the lungs, ■ ]\[arch 13. 

Solomon Strasser, wholesale tobacco at n. w. corner of Green and 
Beaver streets (site of the tavern at v.hich George Washington 
was banquetted), dies, ]\Iarch 17. 

Gen. John Finlay Rathbone, head of the mammoth stove manufac- 
turing plant here, Detroit and Chicago, president of the xA.Ibany 
Academy board of trustees many years, president of the AI- 
Dany Orphan Asylum, president of the Albany Rural Cemetery 
ana ])resident of ^Mutual Fire Insurance Co., a cHy benetactor 
and philanthropist (b. All)any, Oct. 9, 1819). dies at his hand- 
some residence, No. 119 Wjishington avenue. March 20. 

University Club organized in the Albany Academy, planning to oc- 
cupy the Matthew Hale residence. No. 99 Washington avenue 
(north side, second door west of Swan street) electing Russell 
M. Johnston its first president, March 21. 

River open before southern pan of the city, March 21. 

Rev. Clarence Arnold Walworth memori^d service ( 'ate p.astor of 
St. Alary's) at Odd I-Vllows' Hall on Lodge -trcet. Bishop 
Doane the speaker. March 21. 

Pruyn library transferred to the Young Men's Association manage- 
ment, by deed, . :\Iarch 25. 




PRUYN LIBRARY. 

The John Van Schaick Lansing Pruyn Free Library was erected by his 
family in 1901, on the site of house in which he was born in 1811 (s. e. cor. 
No. Pearl st. and Clinton ave.) ; accepted by the Y. M. A., March 25, 
1901, transferred by deed March 28th, and dedicated April 8, 1901. (From 
photograph by Gustave Lorey.) 



No. 6l. .TAMES HENRY BLESSING. 757 

1901. 

River clear of ice before the city, March 23. 

Old New York Central station, Montgomery and Steuben streets, 
lowered to the ground, giving way foi new edifice. March 25. 

Robert Strain, oils (b. Albany, Nov. 30, 1832), dies at Philadelphia, 

March 28. 

River open to navigation, City of Troy coming up, March 29. 

Albany & Hudson electric road runs cars into Albany. March 30. 

Ex-Congressman Martin H. Glynn appointed by President McKin- 
ley a St. Louis Exposition commissioner for the government, 

March 30. 

Hon. Neil Gilmoin- (b. Paisley, Scotland, Jan. 8, 1840) dies, 

March 31. 

Adirondack of People's Line leaves New York on first '■rip of season, 

April I. 

Latest spring snow of the season, April i. 

Governor Odell signs Senator Ellis' bill changing the color of the 
New York State flag from buff to blue, the former having 
proved hard to distinguish from that of the quarantine, 

April 3. 

Bath-on-Hudson annexed to Rensselaer, Bradford R. Lansing be- 
coming the first mayor, April 5. 

Marcellus B. Waters, general passenger agent of People's Line (b. 
Duxbury, Mass., 1831) dies at Troy, April 5. 

Several smallpox cases on Schuyler street cause alarm, April 5. 

The Mary Parker Corning organ, most costly in the city, dedicated 
at All Saints Cathedral, April 6. 

Pruyn Library at southeast corner of North Pearl street and Clinton 
avenue, dedicated, Mayor Blessing delivering the oration, 

April 8. 

Hon. Francis H. Woods, former postmaster, surrogate, assembly- 
man, judge (b. Albany, 1843), dies at his home, No. 46 Willett 
street, April 8. 

Rev. Francis N. Stuart (b. Albany, Feb. 8, 1865), while pastor ot 
St. Mary's Church at Coxsackie, dies, ivpril 9. 

Latest killing frost of the season, April 13. 

Jared PL Armatage dies, April 22. 

Water over the docks, extending to Dean street, caused by rain, 

April 22. 

Hon. Martin H. Glynn elected vice-president by the U. S. Commis- 
sion of the St. Louis Exposition of 1903, April. 

Legislature adjourns, April 23. 



758 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l. 



1901. 



Dana park., at Madison and Delaware avenue, opened and dedicated 
by an address by Mayor Blessing, in presence of the Dana 
Natural History Society (organized iii 1868), Arbor Day, 

May 3. 

Fruit trees in bloom. May 5. 

Strike inaugurated by United Traction Co. employees on differing 
over a new schedule presented the first of the month. May 7. 

No electric cars in five cities operated in by United Traction Co., 
and lines of carryalls in common service. May 8. 

Co. A of Albany Academy Cadets wins guidon drill at aimory, 

May 10. 

Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society elect? Judge Wm. 
L. Learned its president a second time, at annual meeting, 

May 13. 

Tenth Batallion and Third Signal Corps ordered out by the Gov- 
ernor to preserve order and they patrol the routes of the trac- 
tion company on most of the streets. May 14. 

Albany Law School of Union LTniversity celebrates semi-centennial, 

May 15. 

Local troops preserving order reinforced by the 23rd Regiment of 
Brooklyn, which camps at Beverwyck park on Washington 
avenue beyond Quail street, a squad of soldiers riding on each 
car, and the city placed under martial law. May 15. 

A^iolent mob attacks a motor car, hurling missiles at it, as it passes 
a few hundred feet north of Columliia street on Broadway. 
Lieutenant Wilson and companions of the 23rd Brooklyn regi- 
ment fire and fatally wound E. LeRoy Smith, standing upon 
the steps of his store, and William M. Walsh, at 4:30 p. m., 

May 16. 

Death of E. LeRoy Smith at 4 a. m., shot in riot on previous after- 
noon, head of the wholesale shoe manufacturing firm of Smith 
& Herrick, and president of Albany \\'hist Club. May 17. 

Close of the Albany Railway strike. May 19. 

Robert Geer, wholesale salt, with office on the pier to the south of 
State street basin bridge, treasurer of Home for Incurables 
and a member of Temple Lodge, dies at his home. No. 33 
Pine avenue, south. May 22. 

Fatal collision, rounding curve, on Albany & Hudson electric road. 

May 26. 

Steamer New York of Hudson River Day Line first to arrive. 

May 28. 



No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 759 



1901. 



Acors Rathbiin. dealer for many years in hardwood lumbers in the 
Lumber District and man of wealth (b. Aug. 28, 1827), dies at 
his home, No. 28 Willett street. May 31. 

Col. Horatio Potter Stacpole. commander of the loth Battalion, 
dies at his home. No. 240 Hudson avenue, June 3. 

Albany Academy 88th commencement, Cuyler W. Lush valedicto- 
rian, June 13. 

Jeremiah Jewell Van Bramer, prominent veteran fireman (b. Al- 
bany), aged 76 years, dies, June 13. 

William H. Johnson, president of The Argus Co. (b. Syracuse. 
Jan. 20, 1834), dies at his home, No. 121 Lancaster street, 

June 28. 

American Express Co. occupies new building on site of old depot 
on Montgomery street, July 8. 

Rev. Dr. Ezra R. Huntington, pastor of Third Presbyterian Church, 
dies at Auburn, July 14. 

Frederick A. Schififerdecker, Jr., supervisor (b. Albany, July 19, 
i860), dies, July 14. 

commodore Alfred Van Santvoord, president of Hudson River 
Day Line, a former Albanian (b. Utica, 1819), dies aboard 
his yacht Clermont at the mouth of the Hudson, July 20. 

Body of Commodore Van Santvoord arrives at this city on board 
his yacht and burial takes place at the Rural Cemetery, July 24. 

Hudson River Day Line elects Eben E. Olcott president, July. 

Hon. James Webster Eaton, ex-district-attorney (b. Albany, May 
14, 1856), dies at his home on Madison avenue (opposite the 
park lake), Aug. i. 

Steamer Drew, for many years a most popular night boat of the 
People's Line, towed to Raritan Bay to be broken up for junk,^ 

Aug. 14. 

Howard J. Rogers appointed chief of the Department of Education 
for the St. Louis, 1903, Exposition, Aug. 15. 

Samuel Anable dies, prominent citizen, Aug. 15. 

J. Townsend Lansing collection of paintings brought by him from 
Europe and valued at more than $25,000, presented by him to 
the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society, August. 
Clifford A. Hand, lawyer, brother of the late Samuel H. Hand and 
a prominent member of the State Bar Association, dies at his 
home in Elizabethtown, N. Y., Aug. 17. 

School No. 12, Robin street, completed. 

Richard Varick De Witt, ex-fire commissioner and insurance agent 
(b. Albany, 1832), dies at his home. No. 202 Lancaster street, 

Aug. 21. 



760 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 61. 

1901. 

Steamboat Ticonderoga, popular steamer for many years and 
familiar to thousands of Albanians, burns at the northern end 
of Lake George, Captain White, Aug. 29. 

Labor Day, showers in the morning, Sept. 2. 

Gen. James G. Grindlay, who captured two Confederate flags at 
Five Forks, Va., while commanding the Fifth Army Corps 
under General Sheridan, and who was awarded a medal of 
honor by the U. S. Government, elected president of the Army 
of the Potomac Association, Gettysburg, . September. 

Albanians shocked by the news of the shooting at 4:10 p. m. of 
President William McKinley, while in the Temple of Music 
on the Pan-American Exposition grounds at Buffalo. At 4 :25 
o'clock he is conve3'ed by the Exposition ambulance to the 
Emergency hospital at the West Amherst street gate to the 
grounds, where Dr. Mann performs the operation of washing 
the intestines and extracting one bullet from the right chest ; 
at 7 130 p. m. he is conveyed through the grounds, the exposi- 
tion having closed purposely at sundown, to the home of John 
G. Milburn, president of the Exposition, Delaware avenue, 
where he meets his wife, and despatches sent all over the 
country, Sept. 6. 

President McKinley shows increased strength, and city bulletin 
boards the scene of a crowd day and night here, Sept. 9. 

The President able to read the newspapers, the wound having been 
washed with antiseptics, but temperature at 102 degrees, 

Sept. 10. 

The New York Automobile Club on its tour, having left New York 
yesterday, arrives at Albany, Sept. 10. 

New York Automobile Club departs for Herkimer at 8 a. m. from 
Empire rink, Sept. 11. 

George W. Carpenter, one of the city's early engineers, and in 
charge of the waterworks half a century previous (b. Albany, 
May 17, 1811), dies at Fisher's Island, Long Island Sound, 

Sept. 12. 

The President's case becomes grave, being unconscious most of the 
morning, and through the afternoon is kept alive only by medic- 
inal means. At 7 p. m. he faintly tells his sorrowing wife, " It's 
His way," and breathes a farewell, ere at 9 p. m. he sinks into 
an unconscious condition that continues to the end. Sept. 13. 

President William McKinley's death at 2:15 a. m., at the home of 
John G. Milburn at Buffalo, announced by the papers in the 
morning, which bear dark borders, and citizens begin draping 
their houses and places of business, Sept. 14. 



No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 761 

1901. 

No house without its mourning drapery in respect for Presideril 
McKinley. The main portico, as well as the north and south 
entrances to the Capitol completely concealed by heavy folds 
of black cloth, the Post Office, Albany Club, County building. 
City Hall and Albany Railway building sombrously decorated 
with elaborate artistic skill. The remains, on the previous day 
foliowing the ii o'clock private service at the Milburn resi- 
dence, taken to Buffalo's City Hall, where, until up. m. 90,000 
pass about the casket, and to-day the funeral train left that 
city at 8:30 a. m., to be respectfully greeted along almost the 
entire route of 420 miles to Washington, the bells tolling in the 
cities as the train passes through. It arrives at Washington at 
8:40 p. m., and the casket is placed in the " East Room " of the 
White House, Sept. 16. 

The McKinley cortege leaves the White House in the morning, 
passes along Pennsylvania avenue to the Capitol, where the 
State funeral is held at 11 a. m. in the rotunda ; the special 
funeral train starting for his late home in Canton, Ohio, at 8 
p. m., Sept. 17. 

The Albany Law School, where McKinley was a student and gradu- 
ated, is a special object of attention and comment. The cortege 
reaches Canton at 11 :58 a. m., the casket conveyed to the court 
house, and at night rests in his old home, Sept. 17. 

Services held in a great many Albany churches at the hour of the 
McKinley funeral, with special discourses and solemn music. 
I :30 p. m., and at this hour practically all machinery in the city 
ceases to move, the boats in the river and trains pausing for a 
space, Sept. 19. 

Considerable interest taken in the trial of McKinley's assassin in 
Buffalo's city hall, defended by Justices Lewis and Titus before 
Judge Truman C. White, commenced this day, Sept. 23. 

Schenectady Railway runs cars into Albany for first time, Sept. 23. 

McKinley's assassin found guilty of murder, Sept. 24. 

John W. Wallace, city editor of Press & Knickerbocker (b. Albany, 
Jan. 29, 1872), dies, Sept. 25. 

McKinley's assassin sentenced to be electrocuted and is taken same 
day to Auburn, Sept. 26. 

Democratic city convention held in the City Hall, nominating Gen. 
Amasa J. Parker for mayor, Sept. 27. 

Albany Baseball team wins State League pennant, Wm. Ouinlan, 
owner, September. 

Filtration plant statistical record started, Sept. 28 



762 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 61. 

1901. 

Completion of laying asphalt pavement on Madison avenne, a 
second time, Sept. 29. 

Miss Alida G. Radcliff, formerly of No. 708 Broadway, dies at her 
home in Rhineclifife, N. Y. (burial in Rural Cemetery), Oct. 3. 

Rev. Jacob Henry Enders, pastor of City Mission, dies at Fort 
Hunter, N. Y., Oct, 6. 

Republican city convention nominates Major Charles H. Gaus for 
mayor, Oct. 9. 

Annual parade of police and fire departments, ■ Oct. 9. 

Trevor McC. Leutze, many years a most popular attache of the 
State engineer's office (head of a division) and of the Camera 
Club (b. Duesseldorf, Germany), dies at his home. No. ii Pine 
avenue, North, Oct. 14. 

Stanwix Gansevoort, with the U. S. Navy in the Mexican War (b. 
Albany), aged 80 years, dies at South Glens Falls, Oct. 16. 

Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 20. 

Many Albanians attend Yale's bi-centennial celebration, Oct. 20. 

George Edward Graham, having been on the bridge of the U. S. S. 
Brooklyn with Admiral Winfield Scott Schley during the sink- 
ing of the Spanish fleet at Santiago on July 3, 1898, he testifies 
before the naval court at Annapolis in the determination of the 
action of that oflicer at that time as being proper under the cir- 
cumstances, the case being brought about by the partisans of 
Admiral Schley and Admiral Sampson of the New York, 

Oct. 21. 

Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society secures former City 
Hospital building at the southeast corner of Eagle and Howard 
streets. 

Completion of the re-laying of asphalt on Madison avenue. Oct. 23. 

Electrocution of Leon F. Czolgosz, assassin of President McKinley 
on Sept. 6th, conducted at Auburn at 7:12 a. m., and burial in 
quicklime and acids at 2 o'clock, Oct. 29. 

Park settees removed, plank board-walk laid. King Fountain cov- 
ered in Washington park, Nov. i. 

Earliest autumn snow of the season, Nov. 5. 

]\Iajor Charles H. Gaus elected the Mayor of Albany at the Charter 
election, receiving 13,027 votes as the Republican candidate; 
his opponent. Gen. Amasa J. Parker, receiving 10,673 votes as 
the Democratic candidate; others, 123 votes; blank and void, 
463 votes ; total number of votes cast, 24,286 ; Gaus' majority 
over Parker being 2,354 votes, he is declared elected Mayor of 
Albany, Nov. 5. 

Ice for 15 feet from borders of Washington Park lake, Nov. 15. 



No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING, 763 

1901. 

Yale football team, with Charles Gould of Albany captain, beats 
Princeton, lo-o, at New Haven, Nov. 16. 

Local McKinley Memorial committee organizes, Nov. 26. 

First and unusually early sleighing, Nov. 26. 

Ice on park lake and canal bears a person ; much snow on ground. 

Nov. 28. 

Steamboat Adirondack makes last trip southward, and river closes 
to navigation (Government record), Nov, 30. 

John Gillespy Myers, head of the large dry goods firm of that name, 
an exceptionally good business man, honest and kindly, a bene- 
factor of many institutions and of unostentatious charity, dies 
at his handsome home at the southeast corner of State and 
Swan streets, Dec. i. 

Merchants' National Bank, located on the ground floor of Tweddle 
Building at the n. w. corner South Pearl and State streets, ab- 
sorbed by National Commercial Bank, Dec. 14. 



(See No. 62.) 



No. 62. 



Olliarbs i|ntrg ^aua. 



Jan. 1, 1902 — Dec. 31. 1903. 
Jan. 1, 1904 — Dec. 31. 1905. 
Jan. 1, 1906 — 



No. 62. 
CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 

Date of office: (a) January i, 1902-December 31, 1903. 

(b) January i, 1904-December 31, 1905. 

(c) January i, 1906- 
Date of election: (a) November 5, 1901. 

(b) November 3, 1903. 

(c) November 7, 1905. 
Political party: Republican. 

Vote: (a) 13,027. 

(b) 14,175- 

(c) 15,915- 

Opponent: (a) Amasa J. Parker. 

(b) William Gorham Rice. 

(c) William ]. Wansboro. 
Political party: Democrat. 

Vote: (a) 10,673; others, 123; blank and void, 463. 

(b) 9,612; others, 232; blank and void, 557. 

(c) 7.379; others, 11 ; blank and void, 513. 
Total vote: (a) 24,286. 

(b) 24,576. 

(c) 23,818. 

Date of birth: September i, 1840. 

Place of birth: Zanesville, Ohio. 

Parents: John H. (G.) and Agnes Boehm. 

Education: Public schools. 

Married to: Bertha Kirchner. 

Date: August 15, 1866. 

Children: Edward Leo, Edith Agnes (Russell). 

Residence: No. 185 Lark street. 

Occupation: Pharmacist. 

Religion: Episcopalian. 

Title: Major. 

Remarks: Appointed Inspector Rifle Practice, Third Brigade 
(Major), October, 1886. Appointed on Governor Black's 
staff. Assistant Inspector Small Arms (Colonel). Commis- 
sioned Colonel by brevet, 1901, under new code. School No. 
9 completed, 1903. School Commissioner and Street Com- 
missioner. 




• 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 
1902-IQ05. 
From a photograph made from life in 1903 by Lloyd, and owned by The 
Albany Institute. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 767 

1902. 

(Continued from No. 6i.) 
1902. 



Major Charles Henry Gaus sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc- 
ceeding James Henry Blessing", having been chosen at the 
Charter election held on Nov. 5, 1901, when he received 13,027 
votes as the Republican candidate ; his opponent, Gen. Amsaa 
J. Parker, receiving 9,612 votes as the Democratic candidate; 
others receiving 123 votes; blank and void, 463 votes; total 
number of votes cast, 24,286 ; Gaus' majority over Parker being 
2,354 votes, Jan. i. 

Charter election, Mayor, Charles H. Gaus ; Common Council : 
Joseph Besch, I. John W. Griggs, II. John Franey, HI. 
Thomas F. Nolan, IV. Peter H. Reynolds, V. Herbert E. 
Bugden, VI. William H. Hines, VII. Thomas F. Martin, 
VIII. Joseph F. Leddy, IX. A/[ichael McAulifife, X. Tames 
E. Borthwick, XI. James Maloy, XII. George Holler, XTII. 
Edmund A. Walsh, XV. Frederick J. Barends, XVI. Richard 
Hughes, XVII. William C. Garland, XVIII. Frank Naukam, 
XIX. William P. Hoyland, president. Election, Nov. 5, 1901 ; 
sworn in, Jan. i. 

The Albany City Bank, doing business at No. 47 State street, ab- 
sorbed by the National Commercial Bank, Jan. 2. 

Thomas W. Stevens appointed harbor master for port of Albany, 

Jan. 8. 

Edward A. Callahan of " The Country Gentleman " staff appointed 
a member of the board of control of State Agricultural Experi- 
ment Station at Geneva, N. Y., Jan. 9. 

Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society establishes a branch 
in Schenectady, by Act of Legislature. 

Dog license (State Law, Chap. 294) passed. 

Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society consolidates with the 
Rensselaer County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 
Children, of Troy (chartered April 5, 1893) by Act of Legis- 
lature. 

Howard K. Payn, continuing the store of B. Payn's Sons' Tobacco 
Co., at s. e. corner of Maiden Lane and James streets, dies at 
Albany Hospital, Feb. 8. 

President McKinley memorial exercise held in the Assembly 
Chamber, March 4. 

Prince Henry of Prussia, younger brother of Emperor William of 
Germany, a guest of the city, arriving in tlie morning is es- 



768 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 



1902. 



corted in the mayor's carriage along Broadway from the depot, 
up State street and to the City Hall by military bodies and the 
city officers in many carriages, as well as the special reception 
committee of prominent citizens, March 7. 

Senator McEwan's bill to remove bodies from St. John's Cemetery 
on Delaware avenue, March 12. 

River open to navigation (Government record), March 18. 

Andrew Carnegie offers the city $150,000 for a library building, 

April 13. 

Calvin W. Edwards becomes the first president of the Board of 
Education upon its organization as the successor of the Board 
of Public Instruction, April 17. 

Western Union telegraph office opens at No. 53 State street, 

April 25. 

Albany City Savings Institution's new building opened at No. 100 
State street, Marcus T. Reynolds, architect. May i. 

Francis Bret Harte, noted novelist (b. Albany, on Aug. 25, 1839), 
and who had spent much of his life in California, writer of 
" The Luck of Roaring Camp," and the poem, " The Heathen 
Chinee," both of which became extremely popular, dies at Cam- 
berley, Eng., May 5. 

The Aurania Club, formed for social pleasure among the prominent 
men of Pine Hills section of the city who desire a club-house 
in their vicinity, located on Allen street, incorporated. May 7. 

Steamboat Ursula put on the Catskill line. May. 

Latest killing frost of the season, May 11. 

Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society elects Judge William 
L. Learned its president a third time, at annual meeting, 

May 12. 

Mrs. Olivia Campbell-Shafer, soloist at times at First Dutch Re- 
formed and Fourth Presbyterian Churches and Temple Beth 
Enieth (b. Perth, Can.), dies at her home. No. 750 Broadway, 

May 17. 

Entomological Society becomes a section of the Albany Institute 
and Historical and Art Society, May. 

Latest spring snow of the season. May 28. 

Mrs. Delphine Marie Pumpelly Read, a former Albanian and widow 
of Gen. John Meredith Read, former L"^. S. minister to Greece, 
dies at her home in Paris, No. 128 rue La Boetie, May 29. 

Harry Hamilton Bender appointed State fiscal supervisor, June 9. 

Rev. John Hanlon, pastor of St. Vincent's Church, dies, June 12. 

Dean Sage, wealthy lumber merchant of the Albany Lumber Dis- 
trict, a writer of books on angling, and possessing the most 
complete collection of books on angling in America, and owner 




FREEDOM OF ALBANY. 

It was engrossed on parchment and presented to Prince Henry in a silver 
tube, at the City Hail. 




MAYOR GAUS AND PRINCE HENRY. 
When Prince Henry of Prussia, younger brother of Emperor WilHam of 
Germany, visited Albany on March 7, ico2, Mayor Gaus drove with him to the 
City Hall. 



No. t)2. 



CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 7^9 



1902. 



of valuable Charles Lamb collection of rare editions, etc. (b. 
Albany, 1841), his residence "Hillside," Menands, dies at 
his camp on the Restigouche, Canada June 23. 

Charles Bridge, prominent citizen, dies, June 27. 

Robert W. Lockhart appointed superintendent of bureau of water, 

June 30. 

Smallpox at the alms-house, July- 

Seventeen-year locusts appear. 

Automobile first brought to this city for professional purposes by 
Dr. William E. Milbank, July. 

John Pennie, manufacturer of barrels, with large and long-estab- 
lished cooperage on north side of Arch street, a poet of quaint 
and classical ideas, and an author (b. Tavistock, Eng., March 
24, 1824), dies at his home. No. 149 Madison avenue,^ July 20. 

Fire destroys the Lansing factory and office building built on the 
site of old Second Reformed Protestant Dutch Church on south 
side of Beaver, west of Green street, at which Fireman Donald 
K. Bishop loses his life, July 25. 

George W. Yerks, head of the large produce commission house at 
No. 369 Broadway, dies, Aug. 9 

Labor Day, John C. Donovan grand marshal. Sept. i 

Martin H. Glynn becomes managing editor of The Times-Union 

Sept. 5 

Albany Baseball team of State League wins the pennant, September 

Albany Polo team organized at Loudonville and Menands, 

September 

Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 10 

Earliest autumn snow of the season, Oct. 29 

Carnegie proposition, offering the city $150,000 for a public library 
building, receives the following votes at the election: total 
number of votes cast, 23,948; in favor of accepting, 7,192; 
ao-ainst accepting, 12,260; void, 71; marked for identification, 
i"^ blank, 4,425 votes, Nov. 4- 

Howard J. Rogers appointed Director of Congresses for the 1903 
St. Louis Exposition, November. 

Ezra G. Benedict, retired millionaire lumber merchant and collector 
of paintings, dies at his home on Ten Broeck street, Nov. 20. 

Sixteen-inch rifle, largest cannon in the world, shipped from Water- 
vliet Arsenal where it had been in the making for past three 
or more years, to Indian Plead, Government proving station, 
]\^ T " Nov. 26. 

Coal prices excessively high because of anthracite coal strike, and 
factories making use of bituminous largely, dealers selling to 



770 CHAKLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1902-1903. 

residents in small lots only and the poor applying in numbers 
for aid to the Bureau of Charities, November. 

River closed to navigation, (Government record), Dec. 8. 

Albany Public Bath (No. i) opened at No 665 Broadway, 

December. 
Robert P. Thorn, many years proprietor of jewelry store on south 
side of State street, east of Pearl street, dies, Dec. 14. 

The B. P. O. Elks No. 49. purchases No. 34 Beaver street, 

December. 



1903. 



Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not 
elected on this date — Mayor, Charles H. Gaus ; Common Coun- 
cil : Joseph Besch, I. John W. Griggs, II. John Franey, III. 
Thomas F. Nolan, IV. Peter H. Reynolds, V. Herbert E. 
Bugden, VI. William PI. Hines, VII. Thomas F. Martin, 
VIII. Joseph F. Leddv, IX. Michael McAuliffe, X. James 
E. Borthwick, XI. lames Maloy, XII. George Holler, XIII. 
Charles E. Shelley, XIV. Edmund A. Walsh, XV. Frederick 
J. Barends, XVI. Richard Hughes, XVII. William C. Car- 
land, XVIII. Frank Naukam, XIX. William P. Hoyland, 
president. Holding office on, Jan. i. 

Home Telephone Co., starts service in its new building at s. w. 
corner of Lodge and Howard streets, Feb. i. 

Salvation Army opens its Industrial Home for men, February. 

Cruiser Albany, that had been purchased from Brazil at the com- 
mencement of hostilities with Spain, spring of 1898, which 
was then nearing completion at the shipyard in England, pre- 
sented at the New York Navy Yard at Brooklyn with an 
elaborate and typically decorated silver service, inclusive of 
a mammoth punch-bowl, the whole costing $10,000, subscribed 
by citizens generally; Mayor Gaus making the presentation, 
Capt. John A. Rogers accepting, Sec'y Wm. B. Jones repre- 
senting Chamber of Commerce, Curator Cuyler Reynolds rep- 
resenting Albany Institute and Bishop Burke offering prayer, 

Feb. 7. 

Samuel L. Munson, proprietor of shirt manufactory on Hudson 
avenue, a passenger on steamship Maidiana, wrecked on coral 
reef at night, 16 miles from shore, being 24 miles off course 
because of inoperative lighthouse, Feb. 10. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 7/1 



1903. 



Dr. Willis G. MacDonald appointed a trustee of the N. Y. State 
Hospital for Treatment of Incipient Pulmonary Tuberculosis, 

Feb. II. 

Dr. Arthur G. Root appointed a manager of N. Y. State Industrial 
School at Rochester, to which truant school-children from all 
over the State are sent, Feb. ii. 

American Institute of Mining Engineers, Eben E. Olcott (president 
of the Hudson River Day Line) its president, and Hon. Ver- 
plank Colvin of this city chairman of entertainment committee, 
convenes in annual session at the building of the Albany 
Institute and Historical and Art Society, for three days, 

Feb. 17. 

Judge John T. McDonough (lawyer with office in Tweddle bld'g 
and former secretary of State for several terms) appointed by 
President Roosevelt associate judge of ^the Supreme Court 
of the Philippine Islands, Feb. i8. 

Maurice E. Viele, proprietor many years of the large hardware 
store at Nos. 39-41 State street (bought by Albany Hardware 
& Iron Co.) an active participant on boards of charitable in- 
stitutions and the Albany Academy, dies at his home. No. 6 
Elk St., Feb. 19. 

Chauncey E. Argersinger (formerly Huyck & Argersinger, woolen 
blanket mills at Kenwood below the highway, on Normanskill 
creek) appointed postmaster of Albany, Feb. 26. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, for 35 years janitress of the High School 
and living in basement on Columbia street, dies, Feb. 26. 

Ralph W. Thacher, grain merchant and later president of the 
Albany Art Union, photographers on east side of N. Pearl 
St., dies, Feb. 27. 

Ex-County Judge Jacob H. Clute (b. Guilderland, March 16, 1827), 
dies, March 6. 

Military exposition and carnival opens at the Armory, Capt. James 
E. Roach, chairman, March 11. 

William Thom,pson Fondey, formerly connected with the large 
hardware firm of Corning & Co., on east side of Broadway, a 
few doors north of the post-office, (b. Albany, June 30, 1854), 
dies at Morristown, N. J., March 12. 

Watson DuBois, city assessor and previously in the D, & H. office 
as chief of telegraph department, dies at Plattsburg suddenly, 

Alarch. 

River open to navigation, (Government record), March 15. 

Hon. Bernard Stark, who had been appointed by Gov. Odell, Jan. 
17, 1 90 1, State arbitration commissioner in the department 



//- 



CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 



1903. 



of labor, previously a dry goods merchant on the east side of 
No. Pearl street, (b. Albany, Jan. i, 1847) dies at Petersburg, 
Va., March i8. 

Samuel T. Hull, attorney, dies, April 2. 

William M. Van Antwerp, retired banker and man of means, 
dies at his residence. No. 162 Washington avenue, April 8. 

Ezra Prentice Treadwell, art designer (b. Albany) aged 55 years, 
dies at White Plains, N. Y., April 8. 

Miss Mary Anne Henry, daughter of the late Professor Joseph 
Henry, who was an instructor in the Albany Academy where 
he demonstrated the principle of the electric telegraph, and re- 
moved later to Princeton, then to Washington to become the 
secretary of Smithsonian Institution, her home in that city, 
dies while touring Europe, at Seville, Spain, April 10. 

Michael Francis Carev, humorous poet and writer under the name 
"Rambler," (b. Albany, Feb. 18, 1866), dies, April 15. 

Hon. Hugh Reilly, former district-attorney and chief of the State 
Board of Claims, (b. Albany, March 14, 1853), dies at his home. 
No. 81 Columbia street, ' April 16. 

Dean Wilford Lash Robbins of All Saints' Cathedral for many 
years, elected dean of the General Theological Seminary of 
the Episcopal Church in New York City, succeeding the late 
Dean Hoffman, April 17. 

Matthew O'Neill, styled "^Albany's Oldest Newsboy," who had 
earned a sufficient sum by selling papers and miscellaneous 
reading matter on the streets, between the post-office and the 
depot, to support and educate a number of brothers and sisters, 
yet remaining himself in hard circumstances, (b. Albany, June 
17, 1851), dies, April 21. 

Frederick Harris, attorney with office in Tweddle bld'g (b. Albany, 
June 14, 1854, son of Hon. Hamilton Harris), dies, April 22. 

Henry Moeslein, a popular musician and pianist, (b. Germany), 
aged 58 years, dies at the Homeopathic Hospital.. April 24. 

Henry Parish Kernochan, president of the Taylor Brewing Co., on 
Broadway, below the South Ferry, dies at his home. No. 243 
State street, April 25. 

Home for Incurables (new edifice) opened at Kenwood Heights, 
below the city, with extensive grounds and favorable outlook, 

April 26. 

Latest spring snow of the season, May i. 

Latest killing frost of the season. May 2. 

Mrs. Lydia Lush Martin, wife of Henry Townsend Martin, dies at 
their residence, No. 152 State street, May 2. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. ^'JZ 

1903. 

New York State National Bank entirely remodeled within by re- 
moval of the second story which had been devoted to law 
offices, reached by the western entrance, and six-story addition 
erected at the rear, extending in an L to James street, INIarcus 
T. Reynolds, architect, May. 

Herman J. Tenney, son of Jonathan Tenney, local historian, dies at 
New York City, May 11. 

Ferdinand Nenman, jeweler for many years, (b. Berlin, Ger., 
1820), dies at his home. No. 194 State street. May 11. 

Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society elects Judge 
William L. Learned its president a fourth time, annual meet- 
ing, May II. 

Edward Callahan, connected with the Country Gentleman and the 
State Experimental Station at Geneva, N. Y., dies. May 14. 

Steamboat New York of Hudson River Day Line makes record 
run from 22nd street. New York city, to Poughkeepsie, 75 
miles in 3 hours, 5 minutes and 37 seconds, at times 25 }4 
miles per hour. May. 

William T. Rudd, formerly of the N. Y. Central road and father 
of William P. Rudd, former corporation counsel, (b. Cherry 
Valley, N. Y., 18 16), dies at his home, No. 373 State street, 

May 17. 

Bishop Thomas Alfred Starkey, Episcopal bishop of New Jersey 
and the rector of St. Paul's Church in this city, 1854-58, (b. 
Philadelphia, 1819) dies at East Orange, N. J., May 17. 

Matthew W. Bender, donor of the Bender Bacteriological Lab- 
oratory on east side of Lake avenue, former grain merchant, 
dies at his home. No. 195 Madison avenue, May 21. 

Eugene P. Gross, of the wall-paper firm on west side of No. Pearl 
street, Chas. M. Skinner & Co., and a man of great popularity, 
dies at his home, No. 16 Ten Broeck street. May 21. 

Robert James Waddell, president of investment company, with office 
in the Tweddle Building, (b. Albany, Nov. 13, 1829), dies, 

May 23. 

Gen. Rufus H. King, paymaster-general on the stafl^ of Gov. John 
A. Dix, and brother of the late J. Howard King, bank president, 
(b. Albany, Jan. 22, 1835), dies at his residence, No. 2 Elk 
street. May 26. 

Memorial Day parade, Daniel J. O'Brien grand marshal, Saturday, 

May 30. 

Tenth Batallion, under Maj. Clarence Strevell, participates in field 
service near Crescent, N. Y., with the 3rd Brigade, under 
Gen. Robert Shaw Oliver, June 13-20. 



774 CHARLES IIENRV GAUS. No. 62. 

1903. 

Mrs. Eleanor Spenslcy, widow of John R. Spensley and the philan- 
thropic founder in 1884, of the Home for Incurables at No. 
390 Madison avc., (b. in this State, Oct. 22, 1848), dies there, 

June 23. 

Alexander M. Scott, contracting" carpenter, an elder and influential 
member of Third Presbyterian Church, (b. Canobie, Dtnnfries- 
shire, Scot., March 31, 1832), who came to America in 1853, 
and soon to this city, dies, July 6. 

St. John's Cemetery on east side of Delaware avenue abandoned 
to provide more advantageous building sites, and bodies being 
removed, J^'ly- 

John T. Johnson, merchant tailor at No. 35 Maiden Lane, dies, 

July 19. 

Mrs. J. Hampden Robb, a g^randdaughter of the late Gen. Stephen 
Van Rensselaer, the last to live at the Manor House at the 
head of Broadway, dies at her home, No. 23 Park ave.. New 
York City, July 19. 

INFalachi F. Cox, former supervisor (1895) and alderman, (1896), 
dies at Snyder's Lake, July 29. 

Nathaniel Hyatt, many years connected with the State Insurance 
Department, (b. Ossining-, N. Y., Dec, 1851), dies, July 30. 

Nathan B. Perry, president of the widely known Perry Stove Co., 
dies suddenly in New York City, Aug. 2. 

Charles L. Blakeslee, founder and head of the firm of woodwork 
specialties, doors, blinds, etc.. at the head of Broadway, dies 
at his home at Menands, Aug. 2. 

Miles W. Vosburgh, proprietor of the old Vosburgh Steamship 
Agency, established at No. 645 Broadway years before by his 
father, Fletcher Vosburgh, dies, Aug. 2. 

School No. 9 completed, August. 

John Henry Ward, telegraph editor of The Times-Union and a 
most popular, upright young man of the West End, dies at 
Utica, Aug. 16. 

Capt. Thomas Noonan, commander of local steamboat Lotta. dies 
at Manchester, N. H., Aug. 23. 

George Norman Cuyler, aged insurance agent, dies, Aug. 23. 

Robert C. Blackall, consulting mechanical superintendent of the D. 
& H. Railroad, dies at his home, No. 68 Philip St., Aug. 31. 

Riverside Park, Broadway to the river, having been formed with 
retaining-wall, sodded and planted with small trees, is opened, 

August. 

Albany Trust Co. opens new building erected on site of the Old 
Museum or Marble Pillar Building, lately styled the Western 
I^nion Building, INFarcus T. Reynolds, architect, Sept. 5. 




ALBANY TRUST COMPANY. 

The site (n. w. cor. Broadway & State st.) was widely known 
for years as the "Museum Building " (1831), also as " Marble 
Pillar." Organized Mch. 20, iqoo, with John D. Parsons, Jr., 
president, and entered its building (Marcus T. Reynolds, Archi- 
tect) on Sept. 5, 1904. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 775 

1903. 

Walter Dickson, architect, (b. Albany) formerly residing at the 
residence at the acute junction of State st. and Washington 
ave., opposite Washington Park, aged 65 years, dies at Brook- 
lyn, Sept. 4. 

Fernwood Lake in St. Agnes' Cemetery the scene of drowning of 
three little girls, Sept. 5. 

Labor Day parade, Michael J. Sullivan grand marshal, Sept. 7. 

Gen. Robert Shaw Oliver (of Rathbone, Sard & Co.) appointed 
first assistant secretary of war by President Roosevelt, 

September. 

Sir Frederick Pollock, eminent English jurist, law reporter and 
writer, guest in America of American Bar Association, ad- 
dresses Albany Law School and is given a reception at Fort 
Orange Club, Sept. 24. 

Judson Hoit, father of Benton S. Hoit (a proprietor of Albany 
Business College), dies, Sept. 30. 

Consul Booth-Tucker of the Salvation Army delivers address in 
Cavalry Baptist Church on State street, Oct. i. 

Capt. James H. Scott, half a century a river captain and proprietor 
of " Scott's Float " for rental of small boats at foot of State 
street, in the Basin, dies at his home in Upper Rensselaer, 

Oct. 2. 

Albany Art League organized, October. 

Bryan Sheehan, prominent West Albany live-stock dealer of the 
West Albany stock-yards, dies suddenly, Oct. 13. 

Stephen Griffin Merrill, son of Dr. Cyrus S. Merrill, dies at Am- 
herst, October. 

Nicholas J. Hussey, long the discount clerk of the National Com- 
mercial Bank, dies, Oct. 19. 

William Clemenshire, for 50 years with the Little Sisters of the 
Poor on Central avenue, dies, Oct. 19. 

Edwin S. Sterry, many years the leading photographer of the city, 
studio on west side of Broadway, midway between Maiden 
Lane and Steuben st., (b. Cornwall, Eng., 1822), dies in New 
York City, Oct. 21. 

Death of the wife of ex-Congressman John j\L Bailey, Oct. 25. 

Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 25. 

Judge Thomas J. Van Alstyne, Albany's 60th mayor, judge of 
Albany County Court, 1871-11882; congressman, 1883-1884, 
a prominent mason, upright in dealings and energetic in actions 
(b. Richmondville, N. Y., July 25, 1827), dies at his home, 
No. 289 State street, Oct. 26. 

Earliest autumn snow of the season, Oct. 26. 



JJi:) CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1903. 

Albany Yacht Club secures quarters on the river front, No. io8 
Pier, at eastern terminal of State street Basin bridge, south 
side, having moved from their own building on the opposite 
shore, Nov. i. 

Mrs Sarah White King, widow of Gen. Rufus H. King, dies at 
her home, No. 2 Elk street, Nov. i. 

L-harles H. Gaus re-elected the Mayor of Albany to succeed him- 
self, at the Charter election this day, receiving 14,175 votes 
as the Republican candidate ; his opponent, Col. William Gor- 
ham Rice, receiving 9.612 votes as the Democratic candidate; 
others, 232 votes ; blank and void, 557 votes ; total number 
of votes cast. 24,576; Gaus' majority over Rice being 4,563 
votes, he is declared elected the Mayor of Albany, Nov. 3 

Gen. John Palmer elected secretary of State a second time, Nov. 7 

Theodore AI. Amsdell, head of the Dobler Brewing Co., dies, 

Nov. 8 

Ashbel King Shepard, civil engineer of the first steam railroad 
entering City of IMexico, fb. Albany), dies, Denver. Nov. 11 

Steamboat Evans of the Castleton Line, sold to Georgia parties, 

November 

Dr. Charles H. Porter, a prominent ph3^sician of standing for many 
years, (b. Columbia Co., Nov. 11, 1834), dies at Canandaigua 

Nov. 21 

Jacob Holler, prominent contractor for years, (b. Unosten, Ger. 
]\Iay 24, 1821), dies, Nov. 23 

River closed to navigation, (Government record), Nov. 30 

Christopher Burlingham, many years fish-dealer at n. w. cor. Hain- 
ilton and Philip streets, dies, Dec. 4 

Dr. Horace M. Paine, most prominent homeopathic physician of 
his day in the city, with office on site of St. Peter's Church 
rectory on State street, and widely known in the State as 
president of the State Homeopathic Medical Society, (b. Paris, 
N. Y., 1827), dies at Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 6. 

James Burnside Hendrick. insurance agent, son of Col. James Hen- 
drick who conducted an insurance office in the Marble Pillar 
building, n. w. cor. Broadway and State St., for many years, 
dies at Colorado Springs, Dec. 12. 

John H. Van Antwerp, former president of National Savings Bank 
and v.-p. N. Y. State Nat'l Bank, (b. Albany, Oct. 12, 1823) 
many years a resident at No. 2 Lodge st.. dies (at his new 
residence. No. 270 State St.), Dec. 14. 

Nelson H. Salisbury, lumber merchant at No. i. Lumber District. 
of the firm of Hughson & Co., aged 55, dies, Dec. 17. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. JJ^ 

1903-1904. 

Matthew Henry Robertson, connected since the inauguration of the 
State Insurance Department with it (43 years until resigning), 
first as chief clerk and then as deputy, dies at his home. No. 
445 State St., Dec. 20. 

Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society during year cares for 
10,000 cases of children and animals, and prosecutes 644 cases, 

Dec. 31. 
• • • 



1904. 

Major Charles H. Gaus assumes the office of Mayor of Albany a 
second time, having been chosen by the people at the Charter 
election held on Nov. 3, 1903, when his majority was 4,563 
votes, Jan. i. 

Charter election, Mayor, Charles H. Gaus ; Common Council : Val- 
entine Komfort, I. James J. McGraw, H. James J. O'Leary, 
HI. Morris Koplon, IV. James J. Gorman, V. Herbert E. 
Bugden (appointed) superintendent of school buildings and 
succeeded by Alva L. Austin), VI. Joseph B. Stevens (died 
and succeeded by George W. Hart). VII. Thomas F. Martin, 
VIII. James J. Welch, Jr., IX. Philip Bender, X. John 
Boos, XI. James J- Tiernan, XII. George Holler, XIII. 
Charles E. Shelley, XIV. William F. Reilly, XV. Samuel H. 
Tallmadge. XVI. Richard Hughes, XVII. Rollin B. San- 
ford, XVIII. Isaac La Grange, XIX. WilHam P. Hoyland, 
president. Election, Nov. 3, 1903; sworn in, Jan. i. 

Police department at this time consists of a chief, 5 captains, 16 ser- 
geants, 121 patrolmen, i captain of veterans, 2 veteran ser- 
geants, II veteran patrolmen; total, 157, January. 

Crusade started in vigorous manner against a few Mormons who 
had settled here to prosecute evangelical work and had made 
a somewhat systematic canvass of the city, holding services and 
meeting with some success, January. 

Capt Cornelius C. Cusick, a valiant fighter during Civil War and in 
conflicts with the Indians, bearing a badly battle-scarred coun- 
tenance, the possessor of many medals for bravery, and a 
resident here for a number of years after retirement, (b. Lewis - 
ton, N. Y., Aug., 1835), dies at Niagara Falls, Jan. 2. 

Horace S. Bell, merchant of long standing, forming partnership in 
1866 of Bell & Coffin, dies," " " Jan. a. 

Rev. Samuel F. Morrow, D. D.. forty years pastor of United Pres- 
byterian Church, this city, dies, Jan. 12. 



778 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 



1904. 



Hon. Charles Emory Smith, a former Albany editor on Albany 
Evening Journal and ex-postmaster-general of the United 
States, speaker at the annual banquet of the Chamber of Com- 
merce, Donald ^IcDonald presiding, at Fort Orange Club, 

Jan. 14. 

Rev. Samuel F. ^Morrow. D. D., for 40 years pastor of the United 
" Presbyterian Church here, dies, funeral held, Jan. 16. 

i\lbanv [Medical College Alumni Association's 9th annual banquet 
at i\Ianhattan Hotel, New York City, Jan. 21. 

]\Iai.-Gen. George H. Tteadwell, prominent figure among local 
military men, late major of the 7th N. Y. \'ol. Artillery, con- 
ducting the fur business that his family had carried on for 
about a century previous, aged 66 years, dies at his home. No. 
735 Broadway, Jan. 21. 

Ned Howard Fowler, for three years with the Proctor theatre stock 
company recently, in a nervous condition shoots himself fatally 
at Columbus, Ohio (b. Salem, Mass.) and many friends here 
are shocked by the news, Jan. 22. 

Sir Henrv' Irving's last appearance here before his death, Harmanus 
Bleecker Hall, Jan. 23. 

Adolph Gerber, former treasurer of the Leland Opera House and 
afterwards first manager of Empire Theatre, dies at New York 
City, Jan. 23. 

Mrs. John H. Rathbone kille'd in an automobile accident at Cannes, 
France, (body brought to Albany for burial in the Rural 
Cemetary), Jan. 27. 

]Mary Young Myers, widow of the late John G. flyers, proprietor 
of the large dry goods store of that title, a most charitable 
woman, dies at her home, No. 240 State street, Feb. 9. 

Rev. Richard H. Nelson of Philadelphia accepts the call extended 
by the recent Episcopal convention held here, to be bishop 
coadjutor of the Albany diocese with Bishop Doane, Feb. 21. 

Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society allowed by law to re- 
ceive children committed to its house of detention from any 
county within its jurisdiction, also allowing it to consolidate 
with the Schenectady branch. 

Rev. Francis D. ^McGuire. rector of the Cathedral of the Immacu- 
late Conception, aged 57, dies, March 4. 

Erastus Dow Palmer, sculptor of note, born at Pompey. N. Y., 
April 2, 1817, his early life spent at Dunkirk, then Utica, a 
graduate of Union, in the '40's removing from Utica to Albany 
where he begins the carving of cameos, numbering several 
hundred, as recorded in his carefully kept note-book, during 







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No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 779 



1904. 



the succeeding 20 years, >when he began on larger works, 
modehng statuary, with a studio at the east angle of the north- 
ern end of Eagle street, formed with the eastern end of Spruce 
street, known as No. 3 Columbia place, a large brick residence, 
in 1900 the building of the Open-Door Mission ; his leading 
works in statuary, the companion medallions in marble, for 
hanging on the wall, " Morning " and " Evening," " The Infant 
Ceres," " The White Captive," in the Metropolitan Museum, 
New York city ; the statue of Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, 
of Clermont, completed in plaster and ready to be cast in 
bronze by Barbedienne at Paris, June 6, 1874, for the old Hall 
of Representatives in the Capitol at Washington as one of the 
two statues allowed each State to be placed therein, a second 
copy of which was made also in bronze for the Court of Ap- 
peals, at the Capitol, Albany ; " The Angel at the Sepulchre," 
completed April 29, 1868, for the Rural Cemetery lot of Gen. 
Robert Lenox Banks, and he remodeled the State Arms ; his 
most intimate friend for the last score of years was the artist, 
Asa W. Twitchell, living on the Hurst road to Slingerlands ; 
he had a country place, with lake, in the vicinity of Cedar Hill, 
and about 1870 removed to his new residence with studio at 
No. 5 Lafayette street, where he died, March 9. 

William Lleadlam, connected early in life with his father in lumber 
business, an active Republican and a worker in the labor cause 
towards the end of his life, connected with and organizer of the 
Business Men's Association, aged 69, dies, March 15. 

Isaac G. Perry, appointed capitol commissioner by Gov. Grover 
Cleveland in 1883, acting as State architect, accomplishes much 
of the work of completing the building of the Capitol, prin- 
cipally the Library, the Western approach and the Grand West- 
ern staircase, in that portion, and at the front the extensive ap- 
proach, for two years removing to the foundations the work 
started there by predecessor, (b. Bennington, Vt., June, 1822) 
dies at Binghamton of heart failure, March 16. 

James Lawrence, skilled decorator, painter of coats-of-arms and 
delicate work, (b. Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scot., Aug. 27, 
1826,) came to America and this city in 1871, dies at his home, 
No. 103 Eagle st., March 24. 

Andrew S. Draper, recent president of the University of Illinois 
and formerly of this city, becomes State Superintendent of 
Education upon the reorganization of the departments, suc- 
ceeding Charles R. Skinner at the termination of a conflict be- 
tween State boards extending over several years, April i. 



780 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1904. 

Barent B. Sanders, commission merchant at No. 343 Broadway, 
aged 82, dies at his home, No. 143 Madison avenue, April i. 

River open to navigation, (Government record), April 5. 

Howard J. Rogers appointed first assistant commissioner of State 
Department of Education. April. 

Albany City Free Dispensary Association opens its building at Ash 
Grove and Trinity places, ApriL 

National Savings Bank's new marble building at No. 72 State 
street, the site of the Douw H. Fonda drug store for a score 
of years. Marcus T. Reynolds architect, James H. Manning 
president, opened, April 19. 

Latest spring snow of the season, April 21. 

Latest killing frost of the season, April 23, 

Asa Weston Twitchell, portrait and landscape artist of repute, born 
Swanzey, N. H., on Jan. i, 1820, beginning painting of por- 
traits in 1839, coming to this city in 1843, his studio over An- 
nesley & Co.'s art store at No. 57 No. Pearl street, and in the 
country in his home to the east of the road to Slingerlands, 
at Hurstville, near the Normanskill creek, though not border- 
ing; painted the portrait of Judge Rufus W. Peckham (the 
elder, who was lost at sea) which hangs in the Court of Ap- 
peals, a likeness of Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, principal of the 
Albany Academy and hanging in its chapel, which w^on for 
him admission to the National Academy, a portrait of Prof. 
Martin L. Deyo also in that building, his last work, and fan- 
ciful pictures, a group and landscape hanging in the Albany 
Institute and Historical and Art Society gallery, a close friend 
of the late Erastus Dow Palmer, a man of singularly beautiful 
character and lover of nature in its naturalness, dies at his 
country studio south of Hurstville, after an illness of some 
months, April 26. 

National Commercial Bank, Robert C. Pruyn, president, opens its 
new granite building at No. 60 State street, York & Sawyer, 
architects; its main banking room 60x60 feet, with a general 
altitude of 45 feet, wainscoted wnth the choicest marbles most 
elaborately matched. May 2. 

John DeWitt Peltz, attorney of prominence and an active Republi- 
can, a man highly respected for his integrity of character, dies, 

May 7. 

St. Peter's Hospital, s. e. corner Broadway and No. Ferry street, 
being remodeled w^ithin and greatly enlarged, also adding a 
new stone entrance. May 8. 




^-^-^.* 



i Lj^iui;tlL i MiiJj.liwi.iI ii I .n Bw II 



NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK. 

Charter granted Apr. 12, 1825 ; opened Sept. 5, 1826, at Nos. 38-40 
State St. under Pres't Jos. Alexander, with capital of $300,000 ; 
increased in 1906 to $2,500,000 capital and surplus, under Pres't 
Robert C. Pruyn, and its new building. Nos. 58-60 State St., opened 
May 2, 1904. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 781 

1904. 

Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society re-elects Judge 
William L. Learned a fifth time its president at annual meet- 
ing, May 9. 

William J. Walker, head of the firm of Walker & Gibson, wholesale 
druggists, the successors of Archibald McClure & Co. at Nos. 
74-76 State street, ;and a former Republican candidate for 
mayor, thrown from his horse in Washington Park in early 
morning, dies immediately, May 9. 

New York Savings Banks Association (of the State) elects William 
Bayard Van Rensselaer its president, May 12. 

Henry Townsend Martin, (son of the late Henry H. Martin, presi- 
dent of the Albany Savings Bank) real estate investments of 
private nature and part owner of the Globe Hotel fwith brother 
Bradley Martin) aged 67 years, dies at his home, No. 152 
State street. May 16. 

Dudley Observatory building at No. Albany, on hill west of No. 
Pearl street, abandoned for the new one on Lake avenue, 
seriously damaged by fire. May 16, 

Rev. Richard Henry Nelson, of Philadelphia, consecrated bishop 
coadjutor of All Saints' Cathedral, assisting Bishop Doane, 

May 19. 

The Emerson Centenary, being celebrated all over the country, 
observed at the building of The Albany Institute and Historical 
and Art Society, there being souvenirs of his association and 
ownership on exhibition and speakers Rev. Dr. Walton W. 
Battershall, Rev. J- Walter Sylvester, Prof. Henry P. Warren 
and Mrs. Salome Cutler Fairchild, vice director of the State 
Library, May 25. 

Albert J. O'Neill, former assistant county clerk and U, S. deputy 
marshal, (b. Albany, Oct. 31, i860) dies. May 27. 

Steamboat Dean Richmond of the People's Line, built in 1864 by 
John Englis, 2,525 tons, 348 feet long, 46 feet broad and 9 feet 
deep, taken out of commission. May 28. 

Steamboat Charles W. Morse put into commission by the People's 
Line, night boat, built by Harlan & Hollingworth ; 4.307 tons, 
427 feet long, 505^ feet broad, 14 feet deep, ]\Iay 28. 

Edwin M. Chamberlain marshal of Memorial Day Parade, May 30. 

Michael B. Sherman, proprietor for many years of shoe store at 
n. e. cor. No. Pearl st. and Maiden Lane, a founder of the 
Round Lake Camp-Meeting Association, who had within 
decade purchased the Leland Opera House on So. Pearl street 
and Prospect House overlooking the Hudson at Catskill vil- 
lage, dies at Nyack, June 2. 



782 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1904. 

Rev. Edward Griffin Selden, pastor of the Madison Avenue 
(Second) Dutch Reformed Church, and an author of religious 
works, dies at his summer home at Saratoga, June 2. 

Spiers Falls o'n upper Hudson (neighborhood of Glens Falls) sends 
electric power to Albany, June 3. 

Thomas H. Dwyer, many years city superintendent of buildings, 
of Co. II in the old fire department of 1859, ^^^ ^ volunteer 
of 43rd N. Y. Vols., dies at his home, No. 132 Elm st., 

June 9. 

Edwin Dean Worcester, of New York City, formerly and for many 
years a resident of Albany, who had completed 50 years of 
service as official of N. Y; Central Railroad, performing with 
rare ability the consolidation of the small railroad lines be- 
tween Albany and Buffalo into the N. Y. Central Railroad 
in 1853, when they were 10 separate corporations, later becom- 
ing secretary of the Vanderbilt system and a vice-president 
of some of the more important lines, (burial in the Rural 
Cemetery) dies, June 13. 

Dudley Walsh DeWitt, son of the late Richard Varick DeWitt, 
connected with the Albany Insurance Co., dies, June 20. 

Independence Day celebrated ; Capt. James E. Roach grand mar- 
shal, Maj. Clarence Strevell commanding Tenth Battalion, 
Monday, July 4. 

United Traction Co. erects new car-barns west side Quail St., 

July 5. 

Perry street, northward from Western avenue, changed to Lake 
avenue to correspond with southern part of same street, July 7. 

North marble approach to the State House removed and the high 
iron fence about the grounds to the east taken down, July 10. 

Van Rensselaer and Dudley parks at No. Albany improved, 

July 12. 

Gen. John P. Masterson, ex-surveyor of the port of Albany, dies, 

July 19. 

Theophilus E. Roessle, who assumed control of the Delavan House, 
n. e. cor. Broadway and Steuben street, with his father in 1849 
(also being the original owner of Fort William Henry Hotel 
at Caldwell, at head of Lake George), the proprietor of the 
Arlington at Washington of late, dies at Paris, Aug. 10. 

Spanish War Veterans of New York State hold first convention at 
Albany, Aug. 15. 

First Police Precinct new station-house at Arch and Broad streets, 
officially inspected to determine acceptance, Aug. 19. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 783 

1904. 

Theophilus E. Roessle, former proprietor of the Delavan House, 
who died at Paris on Aug. loth, buried in Rural Cemetery, 

Aug. 26. 

Basin, from Maiden Lane to Cohniibia street, cleared of the last 
sunken scow in the worjc of improvement to channel, endeavor- 
ing also to improve health conditions of a place that had beeri 
allowed to deteriorate for years, Aug. 30. 

Jail on north side of Maiden Lane, connected across the paved 
court-yard with an upper floor of the City Hall by a " Bridge 
of Sighs " for convenience of bringing prisoners into court, 
abandoned, and prisoners removed to Albany County Peniten- 
tiary to the west of Delaware ave., .Sept. t. 

Robert Lockhart, superintendent of the bureau of water, dies, 

Sept. 2. 

Tenth Battalion leaves on a 3-day trip to Boston, Sept. 3. 

j. Irving Wendell, former cashier of the Merchains' National Bank, 
dies at New York City, Sept. 5. 

Labor Day parade, James L. J^.IcHale grand niarshal, .Sept. 5. 

State Fair s 64th exhibition, held at Syracuse, Sept. 5. 

Hiram L. Washburn, real estate agent, dies. Sept. 7. 

Packing-house strike of union butchers that was begun in tlie west 
July 1 2th, seriously afTects price of meats during liie period, 
terminates, Sept. 9. 

National Humane Alliance presents animal drinking fountain t. > 
the city, which is erected in Townsend park, .Sept. 10 

Michael Leonard Morgan, manager of the Western Union telegraph 
office at n. w. cor. State and Broadway, dies, vSept. i6. 

Hon. Zeb. A. Dyer, district-attorney (b. Berne, Albany Co., Dec. i, 
i860) dies of typhoid fever at his home in Delmar, Sept. 18. 

German Day first celebrated at Albany, commemorating the coming 
of Germans to America (Oct. 6, 1683) Mayor Gaus chau-uian 
of general committee and Anton Hafner grand marshal of the 
parade, Sept. 19. 

Hon. William Law Learned, LL.D., born at New London, Conn.. 
July 24, 1821 ; Yale salutatorian. 1841 ; appointed justice of 
Supreme Court by Governor Hofifman to succeed Justice Rufus 
W. Peckham (lost at sea on Ville de Havre) and th.en elected 
justice for 14 years, presiding judge, 1S75 ; serving many years 
as the president of the following organizations, .Albany Rural 
Cemetery Association, Albany Boys' Academy, Albany Female 
Academy, Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society, 
Board of Education and Fort Orange Club ; owner of a sum- 
mer home at Selkirk, N. Y., and residence at No. 208 State 



784 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1904-1905. 

street ; a man of fine parts, well-read and phiIani:hropic ; is 
found dead in his office, seated by his desk, No. 80 State street, 
having come to town in forenoon to attend to business, 

Sept. 20. 

John V. L. Pruyn, son of the late Chancellor J. V. L. Pruyn, lawyer, 
former Alderman-at-Large and writer, aged 45 years, dies in 
New York City (burial in Rural Cemetery), Sept. 22. 

Chamber of Commerce organizes Hallowe'en fefe, George D. Bab- 
bitt president of committee, Sept. 23. 

Archbishop of Canterbury (Randall T. Davidson), Mrs. Davidson 
and J. Pierrepont Morgan arrive from F>ar Harbor. Me., and 
dine with Bishop Doane at the Bishopric, No. 2Q, Elk St., 

Sept. 23. 

Burial of Judge Learned, Rural Cemetery, Sept. 23. 

Earliest killing frost of the season, Sept. 23. 

Earliest snow of the season, Oct. 12. 

Rev. George Galen Carter, S. T. D., who was made chancellor of 
All Saints' Cathedral in 1900 (b. Brooklyn, Nov. 8, 1840), 
dies at his home, No. 62 South Swan street, Dec. 3. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 4. 

William E. Walsh, hat store and gentlemen's goods, long conducted 
by him at No. 58 State, and lately at No. 2-4 No. Pearl st., 
dies, Dec. 15. 

John D. Parsons, Jr., president of Albany Trust Co. from start, 
and of the Albany Exchange Bank many years, the son of 
the late John D. Parsons of Weed & Parsons, printers on 
Columbia st., graduate of Albany Academy and Union College, 
member of Masters' Lodge, a man of wealth and liberality, 
collector of rare books and autographs, with summer residence 
on shore of the Hudson at Selkirk, dies suddenly at his home. 
No. 233 State st., Dec. 16. 



1905. 



Frank W. Higgins sworn in as Governor, Jan. i. 

Heavy precipitation of snow, registering as water 9 inches, Jan. 2. 

Prof. James Weir Mason (b. Albany, 1836) principal of the Albany 
Academy and instructor in mathematics, 1863-68, dies at 
Easton, Pa., Jan. 10. 

William J. Ouinlan, owner for several years of the victorious Al- 
bany Baseball team of State League (1902) dies, Jan. 14. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 785 

1905. 

George Henry Boughton, artist of national repute, whose boyhood 
was spent in this city where his family were residents ; taking 
up his abode in New York in 1858, later in Paris, and after 
that, in 1862, at London, Eng., elected a National Academician 
in 1 87 1, an associate of the Royal Academy in 1879, ^^'^ becom- 
ing an Academician in 1896; elected vice-president of the Royal 
Academy ; found dead in his studio at Campden Hill, London, 

Jan. 19. 

Cephas W. Cureton, past commander of Lew O. Morris Post, No. 
121, also of William A. Jackson Post, No. 644, aged 60 
years, dies, Jan. 20. 

Thermometer 6 degrees below zero, coldest of the month, Jan. 26. 

Lewis Benedict Hall, attorney at No. 25 No. Pearl st., former presi- 
dent of Albany Academy Alumni Association, frequently called 
upon to address gatherings because of liis dry, infectious 
humor, dies, Feb. 12. 

Dean Henry R. Talbot of All Saints' Cathedral, gives a public 
reception at the Deanery in honor of Bishop Doane's departure 
the following day to Sicily, to be gone six months, Feb. 22. 

Funeral at St. Peter's Church of Mrs. Richard Lord Annesley, 
who had died while traveling with her husband, the head of 
the art firm of that name, in Europe, the previous month, 

March « 5. 

King Fountain winter covering removed and lake now free from ice, 

March 5. 

Dr. David Alurray, an educator of world-wide repute, principal of 
the Albany Academy, 1857-1863 ; becoming professor of math- 
ematics at Rutgers College, 1863 ; Mikado of Japan accepts 
him on recommendation of the President as the best man to 
inaugurate a school system for that nation, 1873-1879; made 
secretary of Board of Regents, 1880-1889; returns to Rutgers 
College, dies at New Brunswick, N. J., March 6. 

Charles McAulay, a valiant fighter in the Civil War, who had long- 
conducted a religious book-store at No. 13 Plain st., dies, 

March 10. 

Heavy snowstorm. 8 inches, March 21. 

Investigation ordered by the city of gaseous odors in the water, 

March 23. 

Preusser trial completed, March 24. 

Ex-Congressman Charles Tracey, president of Columbia Distilling 
Co. (No. 924 Broadway) General of the Papal Guard, (b. 
Albany, May 2"/, 1847) dies at his home. No. 20 Willett st., 

March 24. 

Ice breaks up before the city, water over D. & H. tracks. ]\Iarch 27. 



786 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1905. 

Gen. Charles Traeey buried from St. Ann's Clnirch, crowded with 
his many friends, Bishop I'urke dcHvcrin^- eulogy, burial St. 
Agnes, March 27. 

Safe blown on an upper floor of the Drislane Building on No. Pearl 
St., by two men. March 28. 

River clear of ice before the city, March 28. 

Disastrous fire in Hisgen Bros.' axle-grease factory on Tivoli street 
at 5 a. m., believed incendiary, March 30. 

River open to navigation (Government record), April i. 

Capt. Howard Udell McMillan of Co. A, Tenth Battalion, elected 
major, April 12. 

Gen. John Palmer, twice elected secretary of State, a prominent 
Republican, valiant service in the Civil War, wherein he was 
critically injured and a sufferer for life, commander-in-chief 
of the Grand Army, (born March 22, 1842), dies at his home. 
No. 728 Madison ave., April 15. 

Snowfall covering the ground completely, April 16. 

Latest snow of the season, April 18. 

State barge canal work commenced at Fort Miller, April 24. 

Water let into the Erie canal, April 26. 

Col. Willard Glazier, Civil War fighter and prisoner, author of a 

dozen books of enormous circulation, discoverer of the source 

' of the Mississippi river, Lake Glazier, explorer of Labrador, 

dies, April 26. 

Byron Travers, guest at Kenmore Hotel, departs for New York, 
having been handed I lie wrong satchel containing $5,000 in 
diamonds, April 26. 

First Lieutenant William B. Coates elected captain of Co. A, loth 
Battalion, to succeed Howard U. McMillan previously chosen 
major, April 29. 

Latest spring frost of the season. May 2. 

Albany Medical , College commencement, I\Iay 2. 

Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society elects James Ten 
Eyck president for first time at its (6th) annual meeting held 
in its building at No. 176 State St., May 8. 

William Goodwin and Louis Himmell, safe-breakers of the Dris- 
lane ])uilding, saw their way from cells in the Penitentiary 
and are caught in the attic, May 9. 

William Minott Whitney, head of the dry goods firm of Wm. M. 
Whitney & Co., one of the two largest business houses of the 
kind in this city or ]^art of the state, conducted by him for 
more than half a century on the east side of No. Pear! st., 
dies of apoplexy at his handsome home, No. 158 Washington 
ave., s. w. cor. of Dove street, May 10. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 787 



1905. 



Albany Academy Cadets' competitive drill in Washington Park, 

May 12. 

Local Masons attend funeral obsequies of M. W. Jesse B. Anthony, 
for 14 years superintendent of the Home at Utica. burial at 
Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, May 25. 

Close of Brotherhood of St. Andrew's 12th annual convention at 
St. Paul's Church, May 29. 

Rev. R. H. Rollins, having leased the Manor House and grounds 
north of Rensselaer (built by Wm. Patterson Van Rensselaer 
about 1841) and later purchased (1850) by Paul Forbes as a 
country-seat, thus becoming known popularly as Forbes Manor, 
opens it as Van Rensselaer Park for the benefit of Sunday 
school excursions and picnics generally. May 30. 

St. Agnes' School commencement, Piishop Xelson reading" annual 
address to the graduates by Bishop Doane, because of his ab- 
sence in Europe, May 31. 

Dr. Henry Wadsworth Giles, organist of the Second Presbyterian 
Church for more than a score of years, a graduate of Albany 
Medical College, (b. Cherry Valley, N. Y.) dies at his home 
on So. Allen st., June. 

Brig.-Gen. Charles W. Hobbs, U. S. A., given a banquet at the 
Hampton by military men, admirers and former Albany friends, 

June 6. 

William C. McHarg, connected with the Callanan Road Improve- 
ment Co., dies at his home. No. 193 Lancaster st., June 6. 

Light frost, temperature 44 degrees, June 8. 

Tenth Battalion returns from camp, Jwne 10. 

Empire Opera Co. disbands suddenly at Empire theatre, the man- 
ager leaving the members in distress and they appeal for city 
aid, June 13. 

Flag Day quite generally celebrated with displays, Jtine 14. 

Safe-blowers Louis Himmell and William Goodman, for breaking 
into an ofifice in Drislane Building on night of March 28th, 
sentenced to serve more than 4 years at Dannemora, June 14. 

Miss Harriet L. Gaylord, niece of the late Edwin Croswell (the 
prominent editor of The Argus in its early existence) and who 
conducted a private school at Catskill, attended by a dozen 
or more prominent Albanians (b. Catskill, Aug. 6, 1824) dies 
at Rutherford, N. J., June 14. 

Bishop Burke receives life-size portrait of Pius X., painted by 
Commendatore Enrico Scifone, June 14. 

Albany Academy Commencement, held in its Assembly room, Clar- 
ence T. Graham, valedictorian, June 15. 



CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 



1905. 



Rev. John Townsend, son of the late Mayor John Townsend, 
graduate of the Albany Academy and Union College, for some 
time in the past a Chancellor of All Saints' Cathedral and 
holding rectorships outside the city, dies at Middletown, Conn., 
aged 72 years, on June 13th, and funeral held at St. Peter's 
Church, burial at Rural, June i6. 

Grace Episcopal Church celebrates its 59th anniversary, June 18. 

Christian Brothers' Academy commencement at Empire Theatre, 

June 19. 

Judge Jerome B. Fisher elected Supreme Court Reporter to suc- 
ceed Marcus T. Hun, who had most creditably held the otfice 
since 1874, June 19. 

Temperature drops from 84 to 54 degrees during the day, June 20. 

Robert Hewson Pruyn's oil portrait presented to Rutgers College 
by his son, Robert C. Pruyn, Hon. Andrew S. Draper making 
the presentation address, Jtme 21. 

James F. Tracey, prominent Albany attorney (Tracey & Cooper, 25 
No. Pearl) appointed associate justice of the court in the 
Philippine Islands by President Roosevelt, July i. 

John A. Harid, many years in office of the Thacher Car Wheel- 
Works, dies, July 2. 

Albany Yacht Club's building on east shore, opposite State street, 
burned to the ground. Jwly 3. 

Independence Day celebration. Second Battalion and other military 
bodies parade, Capt. William F. Wheelock grand ^marshal; 
Rev. John Lynch the orator and Rev. A. M. Vander Wart the 
chaplain ; orphans entertained in Washington Park ; fireworks 
in Beaver Park, July 4. 

Capt. Charles A. Bailey, office on the Pier at the foot of State 
street bridge, prominent resident of Rensselaer and known to 
all river men, (b. London, Eng.,. coming to Bath-on-the-Hud- 
son in 1856) president of Bath two terms and concerned in 
barge and tow lines, dies, July 6. 

Dr. N. Emmons Paine's wife. Harriet Gould (daughter of the 
late William Gould), both long residents of this city, removed 
to West Newton, Mass., dies there suddenly, July 8. 

Frederick B. Hubbard, insurance agent with office in Tweddle 
Building (b. Watertown, Nov. 24, 1844), dies suddenly, July 9. 

Legislature in special session, opening of the trial of Judge Warren 
B. Hooker before both houses in Assembly Chamber, Lieut.- 
Gov. Bruce presiding, July 10. 

Wm. B. Gore, many years conducting an antiquary book-store at 
No. 103 So. Pearl St., prostrated by heat, dies at Homeopathic 
Hospital, July II. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 789 

1905. 

Highest temperature of the month, 96 degrees, mean for 32 years 
for this month being 73 degrees, record of July 3, 1898, i3eing 
100 degrees, July 18. 

Legislative trial of Justice Hooker ends in his favor, 76 to 67, 

July 20. 

Rear-Admiral Charles Dwight Sigsbee (b. Albany, at No. 20 Spring 
St., Jan. 16, 1845) arrives at Virginia Capes, commanding the 
U. S. Cruiser Brooklyn, with the remains of Admiral John Paul 
Jones, America's first admiral (born at Kirkbean, Kirkcud- 
brightshire, Scotland, July 6, 1747, son of John Paul, a Scotch 
gardener, going to Virginia imder assumed name of Jones in 
1773, in 1775 being appointed ist lieutenant of the Alfred, a 
30-gun frigate in American navy, on April 24, 1778; aboard 
the Ranger, captured British sloop-of-war, Drake ; sailed on 
Aug. 14, 1779, in command of the Bonhomme Richard, with 
four other war vessels about Ireland and Scotland, falling in 
with the Serapis and others on Sept. 23, 1779, when ensued 
one of the greatest naval battles ever fought, the Serapis sur- 
rendering to him; returned to Paris in 1790 and died at Paris 
on July 18, 1792), the United States government desiring to 
inter the remains in this country, July 22. 

Col. Daniel Scott Lamont, whom Gov. S. J. Tilden brought to this 
city in 1874 to be deputy clerk of the Assembly, becoming 
connected with The Argus in 1875 as reporter, later managing 
editor, made Gov. Grover Cleveland's private secretary, and in 
his first term was secretary to the president, during his second 
presidential term, 1893-97, the U. S. secretary of war, dies at 
his summer home at Millbrook, Dutchess Co., of heart failure, 
being a resident of New York City at the time and connected 
with its largest enterprises, July 23. 

Rev. Dr. J. Wilson of Philadelphia addresses certain Episcopalians 
who oppose the so-called "' high church " service at Sprague 
Chapel, with the view of organizing a Reformed Episcopal 
church here, July 23. 

Milton S. Hoag, prominent liveryman on Willett street, dies, 

July 24. 

Albion W. Floyd, expert photographer for illustrative work and 
collector of numerous negatives of old Albany, dies, July 24. 

William Mullen burned to death, asleep in stable. No. 154 Church 
street, Aug. i. 

Theodore Townsend, many years the treasurer of Albany Savings 
Bank (appointed 1882), an alderman in 1853 and 1854 (b. Al- 
bany, Oct. 9, 1827), the son of former Mayor John Townsend, 
dies at Westport Inn, Westport, on Lake Champlain, Aug. 3. 



790 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1905. 

The John G. Myers Dry Goods Co. store, Nos. 39-41 North Pearl 
street, collapses at the time the clerks are arriving to open the 
store, the roof of the immense 6-story building crashing 
through the cellar, bearing everything with it, entombing about 
80 persons and killing 13 clerks, due to insecure underpinning 
and shoring in the cellar while extensive improvements were 
under way ; the streets immediately guarded by a cordon of 
police and all ambulances of the city summoned, at noon the 
railroads sending up an army of men with picks to remove the 
debris, and the city officials rendering assistance under direc- 
tion of Mayor Gaus in person on the scene, Aug. 8. 

Partial eclipse of the moon visible here, clouding later, Aug. 14. 

Michael Daley, contractor on many large buildings here, dies at his 
home. No. 221 North Pearl street, Aug. 19. 

Cosimo Biele, indicted for murder in February of Edward Red- 
mond, and Thomas Mart, burglary, saw way out of peniten- 
tiary, Aug. 20. 

Inquest of Alyers dry-gcrf^ds store collapse begun by Coroner W. S. 
Van Guysling, Aug. 21. 

Albany County Fair opens at Altamont, Aug. 22. 

Judge John J. Brady elected 2nd vice-president Catholic Young 
Men's Union at the convention being held in this city, 

Aug. 22. 

Census enumeration of last June made public, at this time 98,362, 
an increase of 4,211 over U. S. Census of 1900, then 94,151, 
and for the county 171,497, Aug. 23. 

Stove-mounters' strike at Rathbone, Sard & Co., Aug. 25. 

John W. Rogers and wife, stopping at Hotel Ten Eyck abandon 
6-year-old son and baby, '' Rex,"' who are taken to Lathrop 
Memorial, Aug. 25. 

Attorney Frederick E. Wadhams elected treasurer of American 
Bar Association at convention at Narragansett, Aug. 25. 

German Day celebration begun by sacred concert in evening at 
Harmanus Bleecker Hall, Aug. 27. 

Body recovered on east shore of river near middle bridge of Frank 
G. Powers, who on 24th jumped from Troy-Albany boat, 

Aug. 27. 

German Day parade of fanciful floats in morning, picnic at Dobler 
Park in afternoon ; Anton Hafner grand marshal and Gustave 
Zinserling his chief of staff, Aug. 28. 

Wage scale dispute started on July ist between employees of United 
Traction Co. and the officers, opens before arbitrators in City 
Hall, Judge John T. AlcDonough. Lewis E. Carr and Judge 
J. Rider Cady of Hudson, Aug. 29. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 791 

1905. 

Carl Hagenbeck trained animals here, Aug. 31. 

Offer of $50,000 made for the Albany horse, Major Delmar, trained 
by Alta P. McDonald on Troy Road stables, by H. M. Hanna 
of Cleveland, Aug. 31. 

Hon. William Barnes, Sr., delivers important address on arbitration 
at a peace conference held at the Shaker colony, !Mt. Lebanon, 
N. Y., Sept. I. 

Labor Day parade of diminished proportions because of heavy 
downpour, Sept. 4. 

Judge Judson S. Landon, president of Union College 1884-1888, a 
familiar figure for years in this city, aged 75, dies at Schenec- 
tady, Sept. 7. 

Deaconess Leonard of Troy appointed to place vacated by Mrs. 
Ellingworth upon her marriage, whose post had been for years 
at the Luiion Railroad station, Sept. 9. 

Albany Baseball team, its first year under President Charles M. 
Winchester, Jr.. terminates the season, fourth in State League, 

Sept. 10. 

High and all public schools open, attendance of 1,011 at former, 

Sept. II. 

Printers inaugurate strike in publishing plants on demanding sign- 
ing of agreement to go into effect first day of new year, 

Sept. II. 

James Brennan, ex-assemblyman. 1893, and proprietor of Brennan 
House, No. 5 Green street, dies, Sept. 11. 

Compositors of The Argus go out because of affiliation with its 
job department, but the newspaper issues as usual, Sept. 12. 

Fletcher Barber, of Barber & Bennett, grain, formerly conducting 
elevator in pier, with office on lower Broadway, dies at Berne 

Sept. 16. 

Albanians testify at New York city before the Armstrong Legisla- 
tive special committee investigating State life insurance com- 
panies, which assumes intense interest in its development, 

Sept. 21. 

Capt. George H. Atkinson, organizer of Albany branch U. S. Vol. 
Life Saving Corps, aged 53 years, dies, Sept 18. 

Republican General Committee organizes, electing Senator James 
B. McEwan president, Luther C. Warner secretary, and George 
Haswell treasurer, Sept. 22. 

Wife of Dr. Cyrus S. ]\Ierrill, prominent among local D. A. R. 
societies, and charitable, dies after brief illness, Sept. 22. 

Albany Association of National Guard Officers organizes at armory, 
electing Gen. Frederick Phisterer, of adjutant-general's office 
(assistant) its president, Sept. 23. 



792 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1905. 

Gideon Hawley dies, Sept. 23. 

Head-on collision on Albany & Hudson electric road, north of Nas- 
sau, immediate death of Thomas Loftus, of Rensselaer, motor- 
man, Sept. 24. 

Grand jury given J. G. Myers Co. building collapse case, Sept. 25. 

Republican county convention held at noon in City Hall, Sept. 26. 

Archibald McGarvey, son of late Michael McGarvey (stove m'f'r), 
dies, Sept. 26. 

Democrats hold ist Assembly district convention, Sept. 27. 

Taylor and Amsdell Brewing companies' stockholders ratify agree- 
ment to enter Hudson River brewery syndicate, Sept. 27. 

George C. Van Tuyl, treasurer of Albany Trust Co., testifies before 
the Armstrong insurance investigating committee at New 
York, Sept. 27. 

Democrats hold 3rd Assembly district convention, Sept. 28. 

Democrats hold 4th Assembly district convention, Watervliet, 

Sept. 29. 

H!ebrew New Year's celebrated, Sept. 30. 

Wheeler H. Peckham, prominent New York City attorney (born at 
Albany, Jan. i, 1833, son of late Judge Rufus W. Peckham, 
Sr. (who was lost at sea on the Ville de Havre), dies in that 
city, Sept. 27, and Albany Bar Association attends his funeral 
at Rural Cemetery, Sept. 30. 

Fourth Reformed Church, Rev. Fr. ]\Iueller celebrates Golden Jubi- 
lee, Oct. I. 

Ancients and Honorables arrive from Boston and parade, Oct. 2. 

Hallowe'en committee of Carnival appoints Miss Catherine Hess to 
be " Queen Titania ;" Anna Stolz, " Goddess of Liberty ;" Eliz- 
abeth Gregory, " Cinderella." and Ellis J. Staley as " Prince 
Charming," Oct. 2. 

Ancients and Honorables banquet at Hotel Ten Eyck, Oct. 3. 

Republican city convention held at City Hall, renominating Major 
Charles H. Gaus for mayor, Oct. 3. 

Hon. John Battersby, elected county treasurer in 1884, re-elected 
1887, butcher for many years at n. w. corner North Pearl and 
Clinton avenue, and known throughout the county as "Honest" 
John Battersby, dies, Oct. 3. 

Usual large fall excursion from Boston arrives, and Ancients and 
Honorables military body departs on the day boat, Oct. 4. 

Republican Third Judicial district convention held at noon at Un- 
conditional Club's building on south side of Beaver street, nom- 
inating Surrogate George H. Fitts to succeed Judge George D. 
B. Hasbronck, Oct. 5. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 793 

1905. 

Louis Ziriax of this city, acting as chauffeur^ fatally injured by his 
automobile colliding at West Newton, Mass.^ with motor-car, 

Oct. 8. 

Hebrew feast of Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement, celebrated, 

Oct. 9. 

Veteran Fireman's Ass'n of Philadelphia arrive and parade, Oct. 9. 

Democratic city convention held at evening in the City Hall, nomi- 
nating Dr. William J. Wansboro for mayor, Oct. 10. 

Second large fall excursion party this year from Boston, Oct. 11. 

Annual parade of fire and police departments, commanded by Fire 
Chief Michael E. Higgins and Chief of Police James L. Hyatt, 

Oct. II. 

V^eteran Firemen's Ass'n depart for Newburgh and Philadelphia, 

Oct. II. 

Dr. William Olin Stillman elected president of the American Hu- 
mane Society in convention at Philadelphia, Oct. 12. 

Democratic county convention held at noon at City Hall, nominat- 
ing ticket headed by Harry H. Walsh for county treasurer, 

Oct. 12. 

Italian societies parade in commemoration of the 413th anniversary 
of the arrival of Columbus in America, Oct. 12. 

Legislative funeral train passes through at 2:15 a. m. from New 
York to Westfield, Chautauqua county, to attend funeral of 
Speaker S. Fred Nixon, and Governor Higgins joins the party, 

Oct. 13. 

First registration day's figures: 9,432; in 1904 was 12,568; in 1903. 
was 8,492; in 1902 was 7,896, Oct. 13. 

Total registration for first Friday and Saturday registration in 
city, 15,662; in 1903 (last municipal election) was 14,399, being 
an increase of 1,263 registrations, Oct. 14. 

John P. Bailly, merchant tailor of No. yy North Pearl street, dies 
at his home. No. 133 Eagle street, after illness of four years, 

Oct. 14. 

Grand jury fails to indict in Myers building disaster, Oct. 16. 

George Roark, many years conducting lumber-yard and planing- 
mill at foot of North Ferry street, for past 20 years a resident 
of Fladley, N. Y., aged 86 years, dies there, Oct. 18. 

Alexander Selkirk, inventor and patent lawyer of many years, No. 
31 North Pearl street (b. Bethlehem, July 18, 1830, living on 
farm of his grandfather, James Selkirk, a Revolutionary 
fighter, after whom town is named), dies at his home, No. 284 
Clinton avenue, after illness, Oct. 18. 

James Farrell, prominent contractor, dies at Albany Hospital, 

Oct. 19. 



794 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1905. 

Gov. Frank W. Higgins appoints Wni. Bayard Van Rensselaer, Dr. 
Samuel B. Ward, Senator David B. Hill and Donald McDon- 
ald (pres. Chamber of Commerce) on the ter-centennial com- 
mittee to celebrate 300th anniversary of discovery of the Hud- 
son river, Oct. 19. 

Edward F. Hughes thrown from wagon at South Pearl and Beaver, 
in a runaway, and dies at Homeopathic Hospital, Oct. 23, 

Work begun on new river intake for water supply, Oct. 23. 

King Fountain covered for winter and park made ready for cold, 

Oct. 23. 

William Sautter, prominent druggist at No. 8 North Pearl street, 
dies of heart failure at Hoffman House, New York City, aged 
47, Oct. 24. 

Death of widow of Capt. Edgar V. Denison, No. loi Columbia 
street, Oct. 24. 

New York State Supreme Court eulogizes Marcus T. Hun on com- 
pletion of his 30 years as court reporter, and orders resolution 
printed in the last volume issued under his supervision, 

Oct. 25. 

Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 25. 

Archibald J- McClure's residence. No. 483 State street, robbed of 
considerable jewelry by fictitious telephone lineman, Oct. 25. 

Hon. Robert G. Scherer, graduate of Cornell, admitted lawyer, 
1882 ; member board of public instruction, assemblyman two 
terms, miscellaneous court reporter ; board of examiners 
general term (b. Albany, March 20, 1861), dies at his home, 
No. 618 Madison avenue, Oct. 28. 

John G. Burch, who opened grocery, coal and wood yard in West 
Albany in 1873, elected alderman in 1871, re-elected and 
chosen president of Common Council, and during mayoralty 
contest between George H. Thacher and E. L. Judson, Feb. 2- 
April 20, 1874, acting mayor, aged 78, dies at his home, No. 2 
Watervliet avenue, Nov. i. 

Albany Garage Co., recently organized, buys Nos. 28-30 Howard 
street, Nov. i. 

President Roosevelt proclaims Nov. 30th set apart as a day of 
Thanksgiving. Nov. 2. 

Major Charles H. Gaus re-elected the Mayor of Albany at the 
Charter election held this day. receiving 151,915 votes as the 
Republican candidate ; his opponent. Dr. William J- Wansboro, 
receiving 7,379 votes as the Democratic candidate ; void, 199 
votes; blank, 314 votes; others, 11 votes; total number of votes 
cast, 23,818; Gaus' majority over Wansboro being 8,536 votes, 
he is declared elected the Mayor of Albany, Nov. 7. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 795 



1905. 



Gov. Frank W. Higgins sets apart Nov. 30th as Thanksgiving, 

Nov. 8. 

Earliest autumn snow of the season, Nov. 9. 

Myers building disaster case given to grand jury 2nd time, Nov. 13. 

Ground covered with snow, Nov. 13. 

John G. Myers Dry Goods Co., having been open temporarily at 
No. 69 North Pearl street, entirely burned out by fire starting 
in engine room in the basement at I a. m., Nov. 15. 

Sale of United Traction stock at $150 to D. & H. railroad interests, 

Nov. 18. 

Unitarian meeting-house on south side of Lancaster, near Eagle 
street re-dedicated after serious fire. Rev. Robert Collyer of 
New York officiating. Rev. Thomas S. Robjent, pastor, pre- 
siding, Nov. 19. 

Rev. Joseph Addison Jones preaches his initial sermon at Madison 
Avenue (Second) Dutch Reformed Church, Nov. 19. 

Coating of ice on Washington Park lake, Nov. 19. 

Bishop Doane opens annual convention of the Episcopal diocese of 
Albany at Cathedral of All Saints, characteristic address, 

Nov. 21. 

Board of County Canvassers report returns of Charter election held 
on November 7th, completing tabulation, Nov. 21. 

Reformed Episcopal Chiirch, having organized here, extends a call 
to Rev. Dr. Frederick H. Reynolds of Philadelphia, Nov. 19. 

Ice solid across Washington Park lake, Nov. 22. 

Discovery of the dead body of Mrs. Ella Wilbur-Cramp Hammond 
crowded into a trunk in the fireplace of her parlor of their 
home, No. 42 South Ferry street, near Green, Nov. 23. 

Celebration throughout the country of the 250th anniversary of the 
settlement of Jews in America, Nov. 24. 

Messrs. Dyer and Daggett arraigned on charge of negligence for 
the Myers building collapse disaster, pleading not guilty, 

Nov. 2'J. 

Erie canal closed for the season, Nov. 28. 

Thanksgiving Day observed, following proclamations of President 
Roosevelt and Governor Higgins, Nov. 30. 

The John G. Myers Dry Goods Co., having been burned out of 
temporary quarters at No. 69 North Pearl street, opens in The 
Boston Co.'s dry goods store at s. e. corner North Pearl and 
Steuben streets, site of the home of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, who 
died there Feb. 11, 1828, Dec. 2. 

The Rogers children who had been abandoned by parents at Hotel 
Ten Eyck during summer and cared for at Lathrop Memorial 
Home, adopted legally by man and wife of New Jersey, Dec. 2. 



796 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1905. 

Last tow of, the season departs southward, Dec. 2. 

The B. P. O. Elks, No. 49 of Albany, holds anniversary service at 
Harnianus Bleecker Hall, honoring the memory of the year's 
deceased, John AI. Davis, treasurer of The Albany Evening 
Journal Co. ; Julius Fish, tobacco ; and Harry K. Morris, 

Dec. 3. 

Stuart G. Speir, who had conducted for some years a typewriter 
agency in this city, removed recently to Schenectady, dies 
suddenly there, Dec. 4. 

Hon. James Russell Parsons, Jr., appointed consul-general to 
Mexico by President Roosevelt, following long service as sec- 
retary to the Board of Regents, with residence at No. 22 Elk 
street, killed in a collision between his vehicle and train at the 
City of Mexico, Dec. 5. 

Old Guard of Co. A banquet at Fort Orange Club, George Has- 
well, toastmaster, Dec. 6. 

Rev. Roelif Hasbrouck Brooks of Poughkeepsie accepts the rector- 
ship of St. Paul's Church, Dec. 9. 

Edwin H. Anderson, of the Carnegie Library at Pittsburg, ap- 
pointed State Librarian (director), Dec. 15. 

Steamboat C. W. Morse leaves on last trip of the season, Dec. 15. 

River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 15. 

Arthur Strong, who had accompanied J. C. Hammond to the west 
after the body of Hammond's wife was found in a trunk at 
their residence. No. 42 South Ferry street, on Nov. 23rd, ar- 
rives at Albany and tells of their adventures on the Pacific 
coast, Dec. 18. 

Frank B. Gilbert appointed State Law Librarian by Commissioner 
Draper, Dec. 20. 

Rt. Rev. AJon'r Francis Alaguire dons the purple robe of his new 
office, at St. Patrick's Church, Bishop Burke officiating, 

Dec. 21. 

Lester W. Bloch appointed L'nited States commissioner, Dec. 22. 

Suit instituted before Justice Hasbrouck against Ouayle & Son, en- 
gravers, by Brandow Printing Co., for $100,000, Dec. 23. 

John L. Godley resigns as superintendent of Albany Hospital, which 
office he had held since opening of new building, Dec. 24. 

Rumor that Miss Elsie Smith, former " Queen Titania " of Hallow- 
e'en carnival, had been sent poisoned candy, Dec. 26. 

James W. Wadsworth arrives to contest with Assemblyman Edwin 
Merritt the appointment of speaker of Assembly, eliciting much 
speculation because of the alleged split in Republican party, 

Dec' 28. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 797 

1905. 

John De Peyster Townsend, who had conducted a drug store for 
more than a score of years at s. e. corner of Eagle street and 
Maiden Lane (b. Albany, June 4, 1839), the son of John Fonda 
Townsend and Catherine Louisa Douw, dies at his home, same 
location, Dec. 28. 

Charity ball held at Odd Fellows' Hall, Dec. 29. 

Newton B. Vanderzee appointed surrogate of Albany county, 

Dec. 30. 



1906. 



Major Charles LL Gaus assumes office the third successive time as 
the Mayor of Albany, having been chosen by the people at the 
Charter election held on Nov. 7, 1905, when a majority of 
8,536 votes of a total of 23,818 votes were cast in his favor, 
and he was declared properly elected by the board of can- 
vassers, Jan. I. 

The body of Hon. James Russell Parsons, who was killed on Dec. 
5th, last, in a railway accident in the City of Mexico, where 
he was the U. S. consul-general, having previously been for 
some years the secretary of the Board of Regents, arrives at 
Albany and is placed in the Rural Cemetery vault, Jan. i. 

George C. Lee, assistant cashier of Albany County Bank (b. Al- 
bany), aged 42 years, dies suddenly at his home. No. 471 State 
street leaving a number of liberal charitable bequests, Jan. i. 

Common Council convenes at noon at the City Hall, President Wil- 
liam F. Burnham in the chair, and the board listens to the 
message of Mayor Gaus ; electing Frederick U. Bresler clerk, 
and Alderman Rollin B. Sanford chosen Republican party 
leader at the caucus, Jan. 2. 

Hon. John A. McCall, former Albanian and State superintendent, 
in failing health, resigns as president of the New York Life 
Lisurance Co., which he had made through his energy one of 
the greatest business institutions in the United States, Jan. 3. 

Excitement throughout the city over contest for speaker of Assem- 
bly, results in the election of James W. Wads worth. Jr., follow- 
ing rumors of President Roosevelt exerting his influence in 
State politics, Jan. 3. 

Funeral of Hon. James Russell Parsons, accidentally killed in 
Mexico, Dec. 5, 1905, conducted by Bishop Doane at All Saints' 
Cathedral, Jan. 6. 



798 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1906. 

Rev. Frederick H. Reynolds assumes rectorship of the newly organ- 
ized Reformed Episcopal Chnrcli of the Atonement, a deflec- 
tion from St. Andrew's, in Cameron Hall on Central avenue, 

Jan. 7. 

Rev. E. R. Allen made pastor of Hope Baptist Cluuxh, Jan. 7. 

N. Y. State Normal College destroyed totally by one of the most 
spectacular conflagrations in years, the wind spreading the 
flames rapidly from the Willett street front to the rear near 
Lark street, part of the residence of President William J. Milne, 
in southern portion of the building, being only part of structure 
saved; building erected in 1885; Edward Ogden & Son, archi- 
tects ; loss over $200,000, insurance about $80,000 ; started at 
8:15 p. m., probably caused by electric light wires, and burned 
until forenoon following day. witnessed by thousands of citi- 
zens, who aided in removal of valuable papers, books and 
pictures, Jan. 8. 

Charles J. Buchanan elected president of Albany County Bar Asso- 
ciation, Jan. 9. 

Second Battalion opens poultry show at the armory, Jan. 10. 

Daniel G. Curtis, who entered the employ of the New York State 
National Bank on April 9, 1853, and was paying teller for more 
than a quarter of a century, retiring on Thanksgiving Day, 
1903, with a present of $1,000 in gold, because of a serious 
accident, aged 69 years, dies at the home of his son-in-law at 
Cooperstown, Jan. 10. 

Captain George W. Oliver of the Third Police Precinct (b. Bethle- 
hem, May 19, 1844), dies, Jan. 10. 

Thomas H. Craven, supervisor of 5th ward 1871, clerk board of 
supervisors 1 877-1 885, city marshal June i, 1886, clerk of 
Common Council, 1889-1893, aged 64. dies in New York City, 

Jan. 15. 

Franchise and property of the United Traction Co. passes to the 
D. & H. Railroad valued at $7,500,000, Jan. 15. 

N. Y. State Ass'n of School Commissioners and Superintendents 
holds first annual meeting at Capitol, addressed by Thomas E. 
Finegan of State Dep't of Education, Jan. 15. 

Alumni Ass'n of State Normal College elects officers, choosing John 
A. Hill, Schenectady, president. Jan. 15. 

Mrs. A. H. Noble, mother-in-law of Governor Pliggins, dies at his 
Olean home, and he departs for there, abandoning public recep- 
tion, Jan. 16. 

State Bar Association addressed in Assembly Chamber by Hon. 
Charles E. Littlefield, congressman of Alaine, Jan. 16. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 799 

1906. 

Sons of Helderberg War annual banquet, F. F. Crannell, Jr., toast- 
master, Jan. 17. 

Capt. Frank DeWitt Ramsey, U. S. A., who was highly commended 
for his efficiency in forwarding- stores from Florida to the 
troops in Cuba during the Spanish-American war and who set 
an example for executive ability, precision and efficiency in 
supplying American troops during the " Boxer " troubles in 
China, superior management to that of any of the other armies 
forcing the relief of the besieged at the legations at Pekin, a 
graduate of the Albany Academy and of West Point on June 
14, 1885, dies at Washington, D. C, Jan. i8. 

Burns Club's annual meeting, electing Chas. H. Turner president, 

Jan. 18. 

Lumber-yard of F. F. Crannell, Jr.. North Ferry and Lawrence 
streets, burned at 9 p. m., with loss of about $40,000, Jan. 20. 

Hon. Franklin M. Danaher. attorney, elected vice-president of 
American-Irish Llistorical Society, Jan. 21. 

Rev. James N. Knipe assumes charge of Park United Presbyterian 
Church, s. e. corner Western and Lake avenues, Jan. 21. 

Capt. Frank DeWitt Ramsey's body arrives at 2:30 a. m., from 
Washington, with family and Major Francis H. Schoefifel, 
L". S. A., and accompanied by former Albany friends is taken 
to Cobleskill for burial, Jan. 22. 

Unconditional Republican Club sells its house, No. 46 Beaver street, 

Jan. 23. 

Robert R. Topping, formerly with the Albany Brewing Co., dies at 
Amsterdam (burial in Rural Cemetery), his previous home, 

Jan. 22. 

Dr. Mary Walker, in customary male attire throughout, addresses 
Assembly Codes committee in favor of Eagleton bill abolishing 
capital punishment, Jan. 24. 

State Superintendent of Public Works Franchot calls attention in 
report to Legislature that Albany needs a system of sewage 
disposal, Jan. 24. 

Chamber of Commerce annual banquet at Hotel Ten Eyck, James 
F. McElroy, president; William H. McElroy of New York 
(former Albanian), toastmaster, Jan. 27. 

Towboat George B. Cooley succeeds in arriving from New York, 

Jan. 28. 

Ex-President Grover Cleveland and wife (Frances Folsom) arrive 
and are guests of Dr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Ward at No. 281 
State street, Jan. 29. 



800 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1906. 

Edward Sayles, who organized a company of volunteers during 
Civil War (b. Albany, Oct. 30, 1847. and graduate of Albany 
Academy), dies here, Jan. 29. 

Ex-President Cleveland addresses Legislature in Assembly Cham- 
ber at noon, and the State Medical Society in Emmanuel Bap- 
tist Church in evening, also attending dinner given by Mrs. 
Daniel Manning at her home. No. 153 Washington avenue, 

Jan. 30. 

Hyacinths in bloom, because of the warm, unseasonable weather, in 
yard of Albert Burgess, No. 642 Central avenue, Jan. 30. 

Mme. Sarah Bernhardt, leading French actress, in " Camille " and 
" La Sorciere " at Harmanus Bleecker Hall, Feb. 5. 

J. G. Myers Co. commences building foundations of the new dry 
goods store at same site as the previous one, Nos. 39-41 North 
Pearl street, Trowbridge & Livingston, architects, February. 

F. Hopkinson Smith, author, speaks on " Plantation Days " at The 
Albany Institute to a crowded assembly-room, Feb. 8. 

Albany Hospital elects J. Townsend Lansing president, Feb. 11. 

Leonard Kip, author of ten or more novels written with greatest 
delicacy of thought and language, principal among them " The 
Dead Marquise," Putnam, 1873; attorney with office former 
years in Tweddle building, graduate of Trinity College, presi- 
dent of The Albany Institute several years, and at time of 
death president of Albany Academy trustees (b. New York 
City, Sept. 13, 1826, son of Leonard and Maria Ingraham Kip), 
a " Forty-niner " from Albany to California gold fields then 
booming, dies at his home. No. 20 Elk street, Feb. 13. 

Frank Lasch, police headquarters sergeant, promoted grade of cap- 
tain, Feb. 14. 

Alfred Booth, known as " Angel," veteran doorkeeper at Central 
Railroad station for 15 years, dies of heart failure, Feb. 15. 

George I. Amsdell, head of Amsdell Brewing Co. (b. Kinderhook, 
Sept. 3, 1827), dies at his home. No. 141 Washington avenue, 

Feb. 17. 

Hon. John A. McCall, born at Albany on March 2, 1849, made 
• State superintendent of insurance on April 23, 1883, resigning 
to become comptroller of the Equitable Life Insurance Co. on 
Jan. I, 1886, and becoming president of the N. Y. Life Insur- 
ance Co. on Feb. 12. 1892, a resident of New York City, with 
new summer place, " Shadow Lawn," at Long Branch, N. J., 
dies after a serious illness of three months, at the Laurel 
House, Lakewood, N. J., Feb. 18. 

Funeral of the late Hon. John Augustine ]\lcCall at Church of the 
Blessed Sacrament, Ijishop Thomas ^1. A. Burke of Albany, 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 80I 

1906. 

• 

officiating, following a brief service at his home. No. 54 W. 
72nd street, and burial at Chestnut Hill, Woodlawn Cemetery, 

Feb. 21. 

Mohawk river ice breaks up and passes down before the city, 

Feb. 22. 

Parade of Co. B, " Washington Continentals," and banquet, Feb. 22. 

Charles E. Leland, former proprietor of Delavan House, after whom 
theatre on South Pearl street named, dies, Feb. 27. 

Chester F. Dearstyne, tobacco dealer, made superintendent Albany 
County Penitentiary in 1896 (b. Berne, July 22, 1851), dies, 

March 7. 

Charles Hitte, local welterweight of some note, wins on foul from 
Matty Mathews at a Troy road resort, 12 rounds, March 7. 

Fort Orange Club elects Charles L. Pruyn its president, March 10. 

Hiram J. Rockwell, proprietor of Hotel Ten Eyck, former proprie- 
tor of Hotel Kenmore and of Wayside Inn at Lake Luzerne 
(b. Luzerne, 1834), dies in his apartments in Hotel Ten Eyck, 

March 10. 

William Lane, owner of a string of fast horses, dies, March. 

Judge Andrew Flamilton delivers a forceful philippic before the 
Armstrong insurance investigating committee in Assembly 
Chamber, March 15. 

Dr. Samuel IL Freeman, practicing here more than half a century, 
president board of curators of Albany Medical College, dies 
at his home, n. w. corner Columbia and Chapel streets, 

March 15. 

Herman W. Vanderpoel, son of the late Dr. Samuel Oakley Vander- 
poel, graduate of Albany Academy in 1873; Rutgers, 1877, 
dies at Boston, March 16. 

Irish societies go to Cohoes to parade, March 17. 

Steamer C. W. Morse leaves New York on first trip of season, 

March 22. 

River open to navigation (Government record). March 23. 

Oliver A. Quayle elected president of N. Y. State Automobile As- 
sociation, March 24. 

Mrs. Bridget Coleman, widow of John Coleman, oldest woman in 
city, aged 105 years and 11 months (b. Westmeath, Ire., April,, 
1800), dies at her home, No. 31 Spruce street, March 25. 

Lewis E. Carr, the orator at the Speaker Samuel Frederick Nixon 
memorial exercises in the Assembly Chamber, March 27. 

Judge Andrew Hamilton re-elected president of the Albany Club 
and presented with a silver loving-cup by his club friends, 

March 29. 



802 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1906. 

• 

Isaac J. Hungerford dies at home. No. 324 Hudson avenue, aged 
4], March 30. 

Col. Freeman Connor, one of the original Zouaves under Colonel 
Ellsworth, enrolled in 44th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 8, 1861, mustered 
as captain of Co. D, Sept. 3, 1861, dies at Valparaiso, Ind., 

March. 

Old Lumber District firm of Douglas L. White & Co. dissolved, 

March 31. 

Steamboat Hendrick Hudson, Hudson River Day Line, launched at 
Newburgh, March 31. 

Robins in Washington Park, but lake ice solid, April 3. 

Ice out of lake in Washington Park, April 6. 

Mrs. -Oralie Bartlett Ditson, widow of George Leighton Ditson, 
(mother of late Lina Bartlett Ditson, Albany author of three 
historical novels) dies at her home, No. 259 State street, 

April 7. 

Leonard Gansevoort Ten Eyck, head of the insurance underwriting 
firm of Ten Eyck & Lansing at No. 48 State street (b. Albany, 
1838), graduate of Albany Academy, with summer residence 
at Castleton, dies suddenly at his home. No. 9 South Hawk 
street, April 8. 

Heavy snow all day, latest spring snow of the season, April 9. 

Albany College of Pharmacy commencement, April 10. 

Albany Academy Cadets guidon drill at armory, Co. C, under Capt. 
William Herrick, awarded guidons by Adj.-Gen. Nelson H. 
Henry, April 11. 

King Fountain winter covering removed, April 11. 

Governor Higgins signs bill (Good Friday) of Senator Mead, in- 
corporating the William Croswell Doane Fund for Christian 
Work, April 13. 

Mayor Gaus orders removal of the brass inlaid in the marble of the 
meridian line, some forty feet in length, laid down by Mayor 
Thacher touching the southwest corner of the City Hall, be- 
cause of numerous accidents caused by it in winter, resulting 
in suits against the city, April 13. 

William J. Weaver, real estate agent, elected supervisor, 1868- 
1871, appointed city assessor by Mayor Thacher and holding 
the position until igoo (b. Coeymans, Jan. 27, 1835), dies at 
his home, No. 121 Hamilton street, of heart trouble, April 14. 

Henry C. Littlefield elected president of University Club, April 14. 

Easter, rain all day creating a 4-ft. freshet in river, so that steam- 
boat Morse takes on passengers at Gansevoort street, April 15. 
Memorial windows unveiled at special Easter service of music and 
eulogy in memory of Rev. Edward Griffin Selden, pastor of 




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No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 803 

1906. 

Madison Avenue Protestant Dutch Reformed Church, 1893 to 
1904 (b. June 9, 1847, <^ied at Saratoga, June 2, 1904), Rev. 
Joseph A. Jones speaking of his Hfe and ministry, April 15. 

New steamboat of Hudson River Day Line, Henry Hudson, taken 
in tow at Newburgh by the Cornell Line, to the C. W. Fletcher 
Co., Hoboken, to have engines installed, April 15. 

Joel Rathbone Ransom, formerly of Albany, eldest son of late 
Samuel H. Ransom, stove manufacturer, dies at Elizabeth, 
N. J., April 15. 

Adj. -Gen. N. LL Henry reviews F. R. Palmer United Spanish- 
American War Veterans at the armory, April 16. 

Water high in river, submerging wheels of West Shore trains, 

April 16. 

The James B. Lyon Co., largest printing firm in the city, astonishes 
people by blowing whistle loudly at 11 a. m., as announcement 
of completion in entirety of the printing in eight days, by three 
shifts, of the seven large volumes containing report of the 
Armstrong Legislative committee investigating insurance com- 
panies, comprising 7,000 pages, being over 12,000,000 ems in 
8 working days, April 16. 

Superintendent of Schools Charles W. Cole recommends a second 
High School, to be located in western part of city because pres- 
ent building on Eagle street seats 719, with 981 students at- 
tending and an average daily attendance of 883 pupils, 

April 16. 

Master Plumbers' Association yields to demands of Plumbers* 
Union No. 7, ending a serious strike of two weeks' duration, 

April 17. 

Latest killing frost of the season, April 17. 

Earthquake disaster at San Francisco of great seriousness, a score 
of Albanians present, and relief fund is started here at once, 

April 18. 

Report that Robert P. Murphy, formerly hotel-keeper of Washing- 
ton, D. C. of recent years proprietor of the Kenmore 
(■' New "), disposes of this hotel to J. A. Oakes of Buffalo for 
about $117,000, April 19. 

Chamber of Commerce seriously discusses establishment of a new 
freight line by river to New York because of the alleged high 
rates. April 20. 

Albany Baseball team starts spring tour at Toronto, Canada, 

April 21. 

Mayor Gaus transmits $10,000, subscribed by citizens for relief of 
San Francisco earthquake sufferers, April 23. 



804 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1906. 

Severe killing frost at night, this also being the average date for 
latest killing frost for 30 years, April 24. 

Public Market locations sold to farmers for the year, bringing a 
total of $1,370, at auction, April 24. 

Dr. Albert Vander Veer's nomination as a Regent confirmed by 
both houses of the Legislature, April 26. 

Mayor Gaus transmits $5,000 raised by citizens, as first contribution 
to relief of San Francisco earthquake sufferers, April 2b. 

Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society, being in need of 
larger building and having a fund of $60,000, raised in $1,000 
gifts, accepts the plans of Fuller & Pitcher for new building to 
be built on north side of Washington avenue, east of Dove 
street, April 2y. 

Henry E. Hawley, general manager of Hudson River Telephone 
Co., a prominent member of Masonic bodies and popular mem- 
ber of Albany Club, dies, April 27. 

The Albany fund for San Francisco earthquake sufferers reaches 
$17.-524, April 28. 

Open motor cars put on for this day only, April 29. 

Rev. F. A. Line installed at All Souls' LTniversalist Church, 

April 29. 

Senate in session until 2 a. m. on mortgage tax bill l)ccause of dead- 
lock. May 2. 

Legislature adjourns, May 3, 

Arbor Day celebrated, with fair weather, school exercises. May 4. 

John G. Mills, son of Charles D. jNIills, lover of horses, coin col- 
lector, pigeon fancier, dies at his home. No. 921 Madison 
avenue. May 7. 

Albany Baseball team opens season at vSyracuse, Charles M. Win- 
chester, Jr., manager. May 10. 

Joseph A. Lansing, former banker (pres. Albany Exchange Savings 
Bank), dies at home in Menands, aged 78, May 11. 

John Plungerford dies at his home, No. 338 Hudson avenue. 

May 13. 

Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society holds its annual 
meeting at its building, No. 176 State street, electing James 
Ten Eyck president a second time, May 14. 

State contracts let amounting to about $3,000,000 for work on 
barge canal near this city (Waterford. Scotia and Rotterdam). 

May 14! 

Reported that Robert P. Murphy pays $150,000 to the Mac Naugh- 
ton estate for the New Kenmore hotel property on North Pearl 
street, May 14. 



No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 805 



1906. 



Steamer New York arrives, inaugurating day line season, May 15. 
Open cars put on street lines for season. May 15. 

Col. Charles E. Davis leaves the armory with the Second Battalion 
for scene of strike at Sutton & Sudderly's brickyards at Coey- 
mans, where one of the employees had been shot and brought 
to Albany Hospital, and at 9:53 p. m. Lieutenant Denn takes 
members not arrived in time to go with Battalion, May 16. 
Dr. Henry Hun elected secretary of Association of American Phy- 
sicians, convening at Washington, D. C, May 16. 
Troop B leaves on horseback for scene of strike at Coeymans, 4 :30 
P- m., ' ^/^^y jg 
Second Battalion returns by boat and Troop B by river road on 
horseback, from scene of the brickyard strike at Sutton & Sud- 
derly's plant at Coeymans, differences being settled by arbitra- 
tion in the face of the State militia. May 21. 
First engine runs into the Lumber District. May 23. 
Schuyler Egerton, son of Superintendent of Parks Wm. S. Eger- 
. to"' dies, May'^26. 
United Traction Co. has record in passenger traffic. Decoration 
Day, carrying 175,080 passengers ; receipts, $7,929.76, May 30. 
Law School commencement. Gen. A. J. Parker presiding, May 31. 
Dr. Simon F. Cox, of Boston, appointed superintendent of Albany 
Hospital, succeeding John L. Godley (who resigned Dec. 24th, 
the first to hold the office in the new building on New Scot- 
land avenue), y^^j^g j 
Young baseball players arrested in Beaver Park at behest of a few 
of the city clergy. Fourth Presbyterian Church in particular, 
for playing ball on Sunday, June 3' 
Death of Cornelia Flubbard. w^fe of Oscar L. Hascy, retired lumber 
merchant, and mother of Mrs. Horace G. Young, a woman 
whose life was devoted to her home and relief of the unfortu- 
nate, at her residence. No. 2 Englewood Place, June 3. 
Barnum & Bailey circus, No. Albany grounds ; downpour, Time 5. 
William A. Humphrey, chief detective of N. Y. Central road, with 
office in this city, elected president of Ass'n of Railway Police 
of the U. S. and Canada Secret Service, convening at Wash- 
. ington, j,^ne g 
William Stetson Corliss, who after graduating at Albany Academy 
in 1888, became an amateur actor and developed into a come- 
dian of prominence, playing first with the amateurs locally in 
"The Buccaneers" and "Peter Stuyvesant;" then with' De 
Koven & Smith in " The Highwayman ;" afterwards with 
Frank Daniels, appearing in leading role in his popular comic 



8o6 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 

1906. 

operas as understudy, while in New York preparing for lead- 
ing role in " The Student King," dies there suddenly, June 6. 

Judge Gregory discharges the Sunday amateur baseball players, 
who were arrested as a test case at Beaver Park ball grounds 
previous Sunday, June 7. 

'Mayor Gaus signs ordinance for paving with macadam Western 
avenue from termination of present pavement to the city line, 

June 7. 

Rev. Edward P. Johnson of First Reformed Dutch Ghurch accepts 
the chair of church history at the New Brunswick Seminary, 

June 9. 

Judge John J. Brady discharges Sunday amateur ball players, 

June II. 

Albany Academy, 93rd commencement, Theodore D. Walser vale- 
dictorian, June 14. 

Sunday baseball by amateurs in city parks resumed without inter- 
ference by the police, following Judge Gregory's decision. 

June 17. 

William A. Rice (father of Col. William G. Rice) formerly of the 
A. McClure & Co. drug firm, and chairman Albany County 
Democratic Committee, (b. March i8, 1820), dies at his home, 
Worthington, Mass., June 17. 

Local automobile club starts on tour to Boston via Vermont, 

June 21. 

Superintendent William J. Wallace of the Albany Orphan Asylum, 
dies there, June 22. 

Rev. Thos. S. Robjent resigns as pastor Unitarian Church, June 24. 

The extensive collection of fossils and minerals made by the late 
Prof. James Hall, head of the N. Y. State Museum and paleon- 
tologist of widest note (decorated by almost every country 
with honors) sold to agent of John D. Recke feller for the Uni- 
versity of Chicago, at the rumored sum of $30,000, July 2. 

Mrs. Harriette Delavan. wife of John W. McHarg and daughter 
of the late Edward C. Delavan Towner of Delavan House on 
Broadway), dies at her home. No. 23 Elk st., Julv 4. 

Independence Day parade by military bodies, exercises attended 
by the orphans in Washington Park, and fireworks in evening 
at Beaver Park, July 4. 

Maj. William Henry Paddock, many years connected with the 
stafif of the Albany Evening Journal, and establishing repu- 
tation writing " The Vagrant " liumorous sketches, a popular 
member of Albany Burgesses' Corps and of the Albany Press 
Club, dies at his home. No. 107 Lark st., July 6. 



Xo. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 807 

1906. 

Charles Lansing Pruyn, president of the Albany Embossing Co. 
on Pruyn street, of the Albany Forge Co., and of the Fort 
Orange Club, a trustee of a number of educational, art and bus- 
iness organizations, the son of U. S. Minister to Japan Robert 
Hewson Pruyn, born at Albany Dec. 2, 1852, graduate of Albany 
Academy and of Rutgers College in 1871, with residence at 
No. I Park Place, facing on Academy Park, dies after brief 
illness at his summer home at Altamont, July 7. 

Mayor Gaus writes official letter to Gov. Higgins voicing the senti- 
ments of citizens that the State in considering a site for the 
proposed new library and museum building allow the Albany 
Academy to remain and suggesting the block bounded by 
Washington avenue. Hawk, and Lafayette streets and Park 
Place, as the one preferred by citizens to be so used, July 11. 

Races for the season inaugurated at Woodlawn Park south of 
New Scotland road, July 11. 

State Engineer Van Alstyne submits plans affecting neighborhood 
of Albany in construction of the barge canal. Contract No. 14, 
proposing a dam at Crescent 1,200 feet long, 28 feet high, 
costing about $1,100,000, to flood 3,000 acres as a lake by back- 
ing up the Mohawk for 10 miles to Visscher's Ferry; it being 
intended to extend the Loudon Road thereto, July 11. 

Electric trolley line to Altamont discussed, July 15. 

Rev. Edwin F. See, pastor of Third Reformed Dutch Church 1883- 
1886, then for 20 years the general secretary of the Brooklyn 
Y. M. C. A. over its 15 branches, (b. Tarrytown, educated at 
Rutgers College and seminary at New Brunswick, N. J.) aged 
46 years, dies at Northport, N. Y., July 18. 

Albany & Hudson electric road plans to double-track to Kinder- 
hook to avoid dangerous switches, Jwly 19. 

Mary Elizabeth Manning, daughter of the late Daniel Manning 
(secretary of treasury under Cleveland and previously editor 
of the Argus) and wife of Jules Von der Oudermeulen, of 
Holland, dies in New York city, July 20. 

Mrs. Mary A. Low, widow of Edwin Dean Worcester (to whom 
extensive credit is due for the executive work of combinins: 
the original railroads from New York city across the state into 
one road, and secretary of the N. Y. Central & Hudson River 
railroad for a long period), aged 66, dies at Stonington, Conn., 
(burial in Rural Cemetery), July 20. 

Natural gas well discovered on James Hilton's farm near Voor- 
heesville, while boring 150 feet, throws stone and earth 200 
feet into the air, July 20. 



8o8 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62. 



1906. 



Fifth U. S. Infantry from Plattsburg barracks encamps on its 
march to Mt. Gretna, Pa., at Stuyvesant Falls, July 22. 

Two Hundred and Twentieth Anniversary of Albany as a city, 

July 22. 

Death of Dexter Reynolds, at his home, No. 98 Columbia street ; 
well-known attorney and inventor; born Dec. 22, 1828, (only 
son of the late Marcus T. Reynolds and Elizabeth Ann Dexter) 
eighth in descent from John Reynolds who came to America in 
1634 and settled at Watertown, Mass. ; Sigma Phi and Latin 
salutatorian. Union College, 1848, Harvard Scientific School 
and Harvard Law School, 1850; admitted to the bar at Albany, 
Dec. 2. 185 1 ; author of an authoritative legal work on life 
insurance, 1853, Aug. 19, 



" / cni'y not the man zclwsc Jwiicst glance 
Takes in our past — zvar, business or romance — 
Our martial annals, or the large display 
Of genius, beauty, serious life or gay. 
Who cannot recognise all through our story. 
Our genuine claim to real substantial glory." 

Bi-Centcnnial Ode, 1886. 

\VM. D. MORAXGE. 



n^a^ors' Successive XTenns* 



(Appointed by Governor.) 

1st. Pieter Schuyler: July 22, 1686 — Oct. 13, 1694. 

2nd. Johannes Abeel : Oct. 14, 1694 — Oct. 14, 1695. 

3rd. Evert Bancker; Oct. 15, 1695 — Sept. 28, 1696. 

4th. Dirck Wesselse ten Broeck; Sept 29. 1696^ — Oct. 13. 1698. 

5th. Hendrick Hansen: Oct. 14, 1698 — 1699. 

6th. Pieter Van Brugh (Verbrugge) ; 1699 — 1700. 

7th. Jan Jansen Bleecker : — Nov. 5. 1701. 

8th. Johannes Bleecker. Jun. : Xov. 6, 1701 — 1702. 

9th. Albert Janse Ryckman : 1702 — Oct. 25. 1703. 

loth. Johannes Schuyler; Oct. 26. 1703 — Xov. 10. 1706. 

nth. David Davidse Schuyler; Nov. 11. 1706 — Oct. 31. 1707. 

3rd. Evert Bancker; Nov. i. 1707 — Oct. 22. 1708. 

3rd. Evert Bancker; Oct. 2^, 1708 — Nov. 28. 1709. 

2nd. Johannes Abeel; Nov. 29, 1709 — Nov. 23, 1710. 

I2th. Robert Livingston, Jun.; Nov. 24, 1710 — i/iQ- 

13th. ^lyndert Schuyler: 1719 — Nov 8. 1720. 

6th. Pieter Van Brugh rA'erbrugge") : Nov. 9. 1720 — 1723- 

T3th. Myndert Schuyler; 1723 — Oct. 13, 1725. 

14th. Johannes Cuyler; Oct. 14. 1725 — Nov. 7. 1726. 

15th. Rutger Bleecker; Nov. 8. 1726 — Nov. 10. 1729. 

i6th. Johannes De Pe^'ster; Nov. 11, 1729 — Oct. 13. 1731. 

T7th. Johannes ("Hans") Hansen: Oct. 14, 1731 — Oct. 22. 1732. 

i6th. Johannes De Peyster; Oct. 23. 1732- — Oct. 2^. 1733. 

i8th. Edward Holland; Oct. 24, 1733 — Oct. 30. 1740. 

TQth. Johannes Schuyler. Jun.; Oct. 31, 1740 — Nov. 22. 1741. 

i6th. Johannes De Peyster; Nov. 23, 1741 — Oct. 13. 1742. 

20th. Cornells Cuyler; Oct. 14, 1742 — Sept. 28, 1746. 

2ist. Dirck Ten Broeck; Sept. 29, 1746 — Oct. 13. 1747. 

2ist. Dirck Ten Broeck; Oct. 14, 1747 — Oct. 13. T748. 

22nd. Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck; Oct. 14. 1748 — Oct. 14. 1750. 

23rd. Robert Sanders; Oct. 15, 1750 — I754- 

17th. Johannes ("Hans") Hansen; 1754 — 1756. 

24th. Sybrant Gozen (or Goosen) \'an Schaick ; 1756 — Sept. 

28, 1761. 

25th. A'olckert Petrus Douw; Sept. 29, 1761 — Sept. 9. 1770. 

26th. Abraham Cornells Cuyler; Sept. 10, 1770 — April 16, 1778. 



8io mayors' successive terms. 

(Elected by Board of Aldermen.) 

27th. John Barclay; April 17, 1778 — April 8, 1779. 

28th. Abraham Ten Broeck; April 9, 1779 — June 26, 1783. 

29th. Johannes Jacobse Beeckman ; June 2y, 1783 — Oct. 8, 1786. 

30th. John Lansing- (Lansingh),Jun. ; Oct. 9, 1786 — Oct. 18, 1790. 

31st. Abraham Yates, Jun. ; Oct. 19, 1790 — Oct. 14, 1796. 

28th. Abraham Ten Broeck; Oct. 15, 1796 — Dec. 31, 1798. 

32nd. Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer; Jan. i, 1799 — July 7, 1816. 

33rd. Elisha Jenkins; July 8, 1816 — July 2, 1819. 

32nd. Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer; July 3, 1819 — Feb. 18,1821. 

34th. Charles Edward Dudley; Feb. 19, 1821 — Feb. 15, 1822. 

34th. Charles Edward Dudley; Feb. 16, 1822 — Feb. 19, 1823. 

34th. Charles Edward Dudley; Feb. 20, 1823 — March 9, 1824. 

35th. Ambrose Spencer; March 10, 1824 — Dec. 31. 1824. 

35th. Ambrose Spencer; Jan. i, 1825 — Jan. i, 1826. 

36th. James Stevenson; Jan. 2, 1826 — Dec. 31, 1826. 

36th. James Stevenson; Jan. i, 1827 — May 23, 1828. 

34th. Charles Edward Dudley; May 29, 1828 — Dec. 31, 1828. 

34th. Charles Edward Dudley; Jan. i, 1829 — Jan. 19, 1829. 

37th. John Townsend ; Feb. 9, 1829 — Dec. 31, 1829. 

37th. John Townsend; Jan. i, 1830 — Dec. 31, 1830. 

38th. Francis Bloodgood ; Jan. i, 1831 — Dec. 31, 1831. 

37th. John Townsend; Jan. i, 1832 — Dec. 31, 1832. 

38th. Francis Bloodgood; Jan. i, 1833 — ^^^- 31, 1833. 

39th. Erastus Corning; Jan. i, 1834 — Dec. 31, 1834. 

39th. Erastus Corning; Jan. i, 1835 — Dec. 31, 1835. 

39th. Erastus Corning; Jan. i, 1836 — Jan. i, 1837. 

39th. Erastus Corning; Jan. 2. 1837 — May 14, 1837. 

40th. Teunis Van Vechten ; May 15, 1837 — Dec. 31, 1837. 

40th. Teunis Van Vechten; Jan. i, 1838 — Dec. 31, 1838. 

40th. Teunis Van Vechten; Jan. i, 1839 — Jan. 21, 1839. 

41st. Jared Lewis Rathbone ; Jan. 24, 1839 — I^^c. 31, 1839. 



(Elected by Vote of the People.) 

41st. Tared Lewis Rathbone; Jan. i, 1840 — May 11, 1840. 

41st. Jared Lewis Rathbone; May 12, 1840— May 10, 1841. 

40th. Teunis Van Vechten; May 11, 1841 — May 9, 1842. 

42nd. Barent Philip Staats ; May 10, 1842 — April 17, 1843. 

43rd. Friend Humphrey; April 18, 1843 — April 15, 1844. 

43rd. Friend Humphrey; April 16, 1844 — April 14. 1845. 

44th. John Kcyes Paige; April 15, 1845 — April 13, 1846. 

45th. William Parmelee ; April 14, 1846 — April 19. 1847. 



mayors' successive terms. 8ii 

45th. William Parmelee ; April 20, 1847 — April 17, 1848. 

46th. John Taylor; April 18, 1848 — April 16, 1849. 

43rd. Friend Humphrey; April 17, 1849 — April 15, 1850. 

47th. Franklin Townsend ; April 16, 1850 — April 14, 1851. 

48th. Eli Perry; April 15, 1851 — Jan. 12, 1852. 

48th. Eli Perry; Jan. 13, 1852 — Jan. 9, 1854. 

45th. William Parmelee; Jan. 10, 1854 — April 16, 1855. 

45th. William Parmelee; April 17, 1855 — March 15, 1856. 

49th. Charles Watson Godard; April 28, 1856 — May 5, 1856. 

48th. Eli Perry; May 6, 1856— Alay 3, 1858. 

48th. Eli Perry; May 4, 1858 — April 30. i860. 

50th. George Hornell Thacher; May i, i860 — May 5, 1862. 

48th. Eli Perry; May 6, 1862 — May 2, 1864. 

48th. Eli Perry; May 3, 1864— April 30, 1866. 

50th. George Hornell Thacher; May i, 1866 — May 5, 1868. 

51st. Charles Edward Bleecker; May 6, 1868 — May 5. 1870. 

50th. George Hornell Thacher; May 6, 1870 — May 6, 1872. 

50th. George Hornell Thacher; May 7, 1872 — Jan. 17, 1874. 

52nd. Edmund Lewis Judson ; April 14, 1874 — May i, 1876. 

53rd. Anthony Bleecker Banks; May 2, 1876 — May 6, 1878. 

54th. Michael Nicholas Nolan; May 7. 1878 — May 3, 1880. 

54th. Michael Nicholas Nolan; May 4, 1880 — May i, 1882. 

54th. Michael Nicholas Nolan; May 2, 1882 — June 24, 1883. 

55th. John Swinburne; May 2, 1882 (seated June 25, 1883) — 

May 5. 1884. 

53rd. Anthony Bleecker Banks; May 6, 1884 — INIay 3, 1886. 

56th. John Boyd Thacher: May 4, '1886— April 30, 1888. 

57th. Edward Augustin Maher; May i, 1888 — May 4, 1890. 

58th. James Hilton Manning; May 5, 1890 — May 2, 1892. 

58th. James Hilton Manning; May 3, 1892 — April 30. 1894. 

59th. Oren Elbridge Wilson; May i, 1894 — Dec. 31, 1895. 

56th. John Boyd Thacher; Jan. i, 1896 — Dec. 31, 1897. 

60th. Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne ; Jan. i, 1898 — Dec. 31, 1899. 

6ist. James Henry Blessing; Jan. i, 1900^ — Dec. 31, 1901. 

62nd. Charles Henry Gaus ; Jan. i, 1902 — Dec. 31, 1903. 

62nd. Charles Henry Gaus; Jan. i, 1904 — Dec. 31, 1905. 

62nd. Charles Henry Gaus; Jan. i, 1906 — 



IRamee of flDav^ors an^ Zcvme of ©ffice. 



ABEEL — Johannes 2nd. 

BANCKER — Evert 3rd. 

BANKS — Anthony Bleecker 53rd. 

BARCLAY — John -'7th. 

BEECKMAN — Johannes Jacohse . 29th. 
BLEECKER — Charles Edward ... 51st. 

BLEECKER — Jan Jansen 7th. 

BLEECKER — Johannes, Jun 8th. 

BLEECKER — Rutger 15th. 

BLESSING— James Henry 6ist. 

BLOODGOOD — Francis 38th. 

CORNING — Erastus 39th. 



CUYLER — Abraham CorneHus . . 26th. 

CUYLER — Cornelius 20th. 

CUYLER — Johannes 14th. 

DE PEYSTER — Johannes i6th. 

DOUW — Volckert Petrus 2Sth. 

DUDLEY — Charles Edward 34th. 



GAUS — Charles Henry 62nd. 

GODARD — Charles Watson 49th. 

HANSEN — Hendrick 5th. 

HANSEN — Johannes ("Hans").. 17th. 

HOLLAND — Edward i8th. 

HUMPHREY — Friend 43rd. 

JENKINS — Elisha 33rd. 

JUDSON — Edmund Lewis 52nd. 

LANSING — John, Jun. 30th. 

LIVINGSTON — Robert, Jun 12th. 

MAHER — Edward Augustin S/tii- 

MANNING — James Hilton 58th. 

NOLAN — Michael Nicholas 54th. 

PAIGE — John Keyes 44th. 



Oct. 


14. 


[694- 


- Oct. 


14, i( 


Nov. 


29, ] 


707 - 


Nov. 


23, I 


Oct. 


15, 


[695- 


- Sep. 


28, i( 


Nov. 


I, 


[707- 


-Oct. 


22, I 


Oct. 


23, 


1708- 


- Nov. 


28, I 


May 


2, 


1876- 


-May 


6, I 


Mav 


6, 


1884- 


-May 


3, I 


Apr. 


17, 


[778- 


-Apr. 


8, I 


June 


27, 


1783- 


■Oct. 


8, I 


May 


6, 


[868- 


■May 


5, I 






1700 — 


- Nov. 


5, I 


Nov. 


6, 


1701 — 






Nov. 


8, 


1726 — 


- Nov. 


10, I 


Jan. 


I, 


1900 — 


-Dec. 


31, 1 


Jan. 


ij 


^^33 - 


-Dec. 


31, I 


Jan. 


I, 


1833- 


■Dec. 


31- I 


Jan. 


I , 


[834- 


-Dec. 


31, I 


Jan. 


I, 


1835- 


-Dec. 


31, I 


Jan. 


I, 


1836- 


- Jan. 


I, I 


Jan. 


2, ] 


837- 


*May 


14, I 


Sep. 


10, 


[770 - 


■Apr. 


16, I 


Oct. 


14, 


[742- 


Sep. 


28, I 


Oct. 


14, 


t725- 


■ Nov. 


7, I 


Nov. 


ii> 


£729- 


-Oct. 


13, I 


Oct. 


23, 


1732- 


-Oct. 


23, I 


Nov. 


23, 


1741- 


-Oct. 


13, I 


Sep. 


29, 


[761 — 


- Sep. 


9, I 


Feb. 


19, 


[821 - 


-Feb. 


15. I 


Feb. 


16, 


1822- 


-Feb. 


19. I 


Feb. 


20, 


1823 - 


- Mch. 


9. I 


May 


29, 


[828- 


•Dec. 


31, 1 


Jan. 


1, 


1829 — 


*Jan. 


19, I 


Jan. 


I, 


1902 — 


-Dec. 


31, I 


Jan. 


I, 


1904- 


-Dec. 


31, I 


Jan. 


I, 


1906 — 


- 




Apr. 


28, 


1856- 


- May 


5, I 


Oct. 


14, 


1698- 






Oct. 


14, 


1731- 
1754- 


-Oct. 


22, I 


Oct. 


24, 


1733- 


-Oct. 


30, I 


Apr. 


18, 


1843- 


- Apr. 


15, I 


Apr. 


16, 


1844- 


- Apr. 


14. I 


Apr. 


17, 


1849- 


- Apr. 


15. I 


July 


8, 


1816- 


*July 


2, li 


tApr. 


14, 


1874- 


- May 


I, I 


Oct. 


9, 


1786- 


-Oct. 


18, I 


Nov. 


24, 


1710 — 


- 




May 


I, 


1888- 


- May 


4, I 


May 


5, 


1890 — 


- May 


2, I 


May 


3. 


1892- 


- Apr. 


30, I 


May 


7. 


1878— 


May 


3. I- 


May 


4, 


1880- 


- May 


I, I 


May 


2, 


1882- 


- *June 


24, I 


Apr. 


15, 


1845- 


-Apr. 


13, I 



NAMES OF MAYORS AND TERMS OF OFFICE. 



813 



PARMELEE — William 45th- 



PERRY — Eli 



48th. 



RATHBONE — Jared Lewis 41st. 

RYCKMAN — Albert Janse Qth- 

SANDERS — Robert 23rd. 

SCHUYLER — David Davidse .... nth. 

SCHUYLER — Johannes loth. 

SCHUYLER — John, Jun 19th. 

SCHUYLER — Myndert 13th. 

SCHUYLER— Pieter ist. 

SPENCER — Ambrose 35th. 

STAATS — Barent Philip 42nd. 

STEVENSON — James 36th. 

SWINBURNE — John 46th. 

TAYLOR — John 46th. 

TEN BROECK — Abraham 28th. 

TEN BROECK — Dirck 21st. 

TEN BROECK — Dirck Wesselse .. 4th. 
TEN EYCK — Jacob Coenraedt .. 22nd. 
THACHER — George Hornell .... 50th. 



THACHER — John Boyd 56t'n. 

TOWNSEND — Franklin 47th. 

TOWNSEND — John 37th. 



VAN ALSTYNE — T. Jefferson.. 6oth. 

VAN BRUGH or VERBRUGGE — 

Peter 6th. 

VAN RENSSELAER— Philip S.. 32nd. 

VAN SCHAICK— Sybrant Gozen..i7th. 
VAN VECHTEN — Teunis 40th. 

WILSON — Oren Elbridge 59th. 

YATES — Abraham, Jun 31st. 



Apr. 


14. 


1846- 


— Apr. 


19, 


1847 


Apr. 


20, 


1847- 


— Apr. 


17, 


1848 


Jan. 


10, 


1854- 


-Apr. 


16, 


1855 


Apr. 


17. 


1855- 


- tMch. 


15, 


1856 


Apr. 


15, 


1851- 


— Jan. 


12, 


1852 


Jan. 


13, 


1852- 


-Jan. 


9, 


1854 


May 


6, 


i8s6- 


- May 


3. 


1858 


May 


4, 


1858^ 


-Apr. 


30, 


i860 


May 


6, 


1862- 


— May 


2 


1864 


May 


3, 


1864- 


— Apr. 


30! 


1866 


Jan. 


24, 


1839- 


-May 


II, 


1840 


May 


12, 


1840- 


— May 


10, 


1841 






1702 - 


-Oct. 


25, 


1703 


Oct. 


15, 


1750- 


— 




1754 


Nov. 


II, 


1706 


-Oct. 


31, 


1707 


Oct. 


26, 


1703- 


— Nov. 


10, 


1706 


Oct. 


31, 


1740- 


- Nov. 


22, 


1741 






1719- 


- Nov. 


8, 


1720 






1723 - 


-Oct. 


13, 


1725 


Julv 


22 


1686 


-Oct. 


13, 


1694 


Mch. 


10, 


1824- 


— Dec. 


31, 


1824 


Jan. 


I, 


1825- 


— Jan. 


I, 


1826 


May 


10, 


1842- 


— Apr. 


17, 


1843 


Jan. 


2, 


1826- 


— Dec. 


31, 


1826 


Jan. 


I, 


1827- 


— *May 


23, 


1828 


tjune 


25, 


1883 


— May 


5, 


1884 


Apr. 


18, 


1848- 


— Apr. 


16, 


1849 


Apr. 


9. 


1779- 


— June 


26, 


1783 


Oct. 


15. 


1796- 


— Dec. 


31. 


1798 


Sep. 


29. 


1746- 


-Oct. 


13, 


1747 


Oct. 


14. 


1747- 


-Oct. 


13, 


1748 


Sep. 


29, 


1696 - 


-Oct. 


13, 


1698 


Oct. 


14. 


1748- 


-Oct. 


14, 


1750 


May, 


I, 


1860- 


— May 


5, 


1862 


May 


I, 


1866- 


— May 


5, 


1868 


Mav 


6, 


1870- 


— May 


6, 


1872 


Mav 


7. 


1872 


— Jan. 


17, 


1874 


May 




1880 - 


— Apr. 


30, 


1888 


Jan. 


I, 


rS96 - 


- Dec. 


31, 


1897 


Apr. 


16, 


1850- 


— Apr. 


14, 


1851 


Feb. 


9, 


1829- 


-Dec. 


31, 


1829 


Jan. 


I, 


1830- 


— Dec. 


31. 


1830 


Jan. 


I, 


1832 - 


-Dec. 


31, 


1832 


Jan. 


I, 


1898- 


-Dec. 


31, 


1899 






1699- 


— 




1700 


Nov. 


9, 


1720 


— 




1723 


Jan. 


I, 


1799- 


-*July 


7, 


1816 


July 


3, 


1819- 


-Feb. 


18, 


1821 






1756- 


— Sep. 


28, 


1761 


May 


15, 


1837 - 


-Dec. 


31, 


1837 


Jan. 


I, 


1838- 


-Dec. 


31, 


1838 


Jan. 


I, 


1839- 


- *Jan. 


21, 


1839 


Mav 


II, 


1841 - 


— May 


9, 


1842 


Mav 


I, 


189^- 


-Dec. 


31, 


1895 


Oct. 


19. 


1790 


-Oct. 


14, 


1796 



t Seated. 
* Resigned. 
% Died. 



flDa^^oralt^ 



This Count Begins with the First 



Elected the Mayor. 



OPPONENT. 



J. L. Rathbone Whig . 

T. Van Vechten Whig . 

B. P. Staats Dem. 

F. Humphrey Whig. 

F. Humphrey Whig . 

J. K. Paige Dem. 

W. Parmelee Whig . 

W. Parmelee Whig . 

J. Taylor Whig. 

F. Humphrey Whig . 

F. Townsend I Whig . 

Eli Perry Dem . 

Eli Perry Dem . 

W. Parmelee Whig . 

C. W. Godard (a) 

Eli Perry Dem. 

Eli Perry Dem . 

G. H. Thacher, Dem. 

Eli Perry Dem. 

Eli Perry Dem. 

G. H. Thacher ' Dem. 

C. E. Bleecker Dem. 

Geo. H. Thacher Dem. 

E. L. Judson ! Rep . . 

A. B. Banks ' Dem. 

M. N. Nolan Dem. 

J. Swinburne (b) 

A. B. Banks Dem. 

J. B. Thacher Dem. 

E. A. Maher Dem. 

J. H. Manning , Dem. 

J. H. Manning l Dem. 

O. E. Wilson. . .■ ' Rep. . 

J. B. Thacher ! Dem. 

T. J. Van Alstyne ; Dem. 

J. H. Blessing Rep . . 

C. H. Gaus Rep. . 

C. H. Gaus Rep. 

C. H. Gaus Rep. . 



13 



466 

449 
868 
210 
268 
148 

105 
088 
120 
142 
229 
542 
022 

073 



990 

702 
825 
635 
375 
600 

979 
221 
762 

377 
916 



098 
510 
766 
552 
781 

14.5 
030 
172 

364 
027 

175 
915 



E. Corning 

G. Y. Lansing. . . . 

J. Townsend 

P. Gansevoort. . . . 
G. W. Stanton . . . 

F. Humphrey. . . . 

J. K. Paige 

Jas. Goold 

Thos. Hun 

Thos. Hun 

E. Perry 

F. Townsend 

T. McMullen 

E. Perry 

J. Quackenbush . . 
J. Quackenbush . . 
J. Taylor 

G. W. Luther 

J. F. Rathbone. . . 

R. H. Pruyn 

J. W. Parker 

E. L. Judson 

T. McCarty 

E. L. Judson 

N. H. Chase 

J. Swinburne 

E. A. Durant, Jr . 

J. Swinburne 

H. N. Fuller 

J. M. Warner. . . . 

J. Rooney 

W. J. Walker 

S. E. Marvin 

T. J. Van Alstvne . 
Gen. A. J. Parker. 
Col. W. G. Rice . . 
W. J. Wansboro. . 



a To supply vacancy by death, 
b Contested canvass. 



Canvass, 



Election of Mayors by PoruLAR Vote. 



MAJORITY. 



PER CENT. 
OF TOTAL. 



TOTAL 
VOTE. 



ELECTION. 



Dem. 
Dem. 
Whig. 
Dem. 
Dem. 
Whig. 
Dem. 
Dem . 
Dem . 
Dem. 
Dem. 
Whig. 
Whig. 
Dem. 



Rep. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Dem. 
Rep. 
Rep. 



Rep. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Dem. 
Rep. 
Rep. 
Demi. 
Dem. 
Dem. 
Dem. 



099 
399 
532 
984 
638 
no 

513 
168 
991 

925 
217 
176 
050 
692 



172 
601 
090 
146 
462 
867 
143 
983 
270 
912 
358 



013 
316 
528 
636 

752 
014 

995 
673 
612 

379 



372 
no 
336 

14 
143 

38 

592 

, 920 

129 

217 

12 
366 
972 
381 



250 
1 , 629 

2,753 
7.236 

5,253 
3 , 509 
4,278 

2,158 
2 , 369 
2,354 
4,563 
8,536 



818 

lOI 

735 
2 , 489 

1,913 
733 
2,836 
1,238 
1,492 
1,465 
3,558 



540 
509 
531 
514 
537 
489 
549 
684 
510 

517 
500 
526 
566 
441 



476 
504 
526 

639 
605 

534 
627 
542 
544 
542 
473 



505 
53 7 
566 
682 
629 
577 
497 
355 
541 
532 

577 
668 



4,565 
4,828 
5,400 
6 , 240 
6,086 

6,439 

5,685 

5,979 
6,115 
6,072 

6,456 
6 , 732 
7,094 
6 ,972 



6, 276 

9,329 
9,268 
8,821 
8,879 
10,485 
11,150 

13,693 
16 ,090 
17 ,289 
18,814 
18,578 
19,908 
19,560 
20 , 801 
19,876 
20,339 
22 , 791 
22,214 
22 ,992 
22,848 
24, 286 
24,576 
23,818 



May 5 
April 13 
April 12 
April 1 1 
April 9 
April 7 
April 14 
April 13 
April 1 1 
April 10 
April 9 
April 8 
Nov. 4 
Nov. 8 
Mar. 19 
April 8 
April 13 
April 10 
April 8 
April 12 
April 10 
April 14 
April 12 
April 14 
April 1 1 
April 9 
April 1 1 
April 9 
April 13 
April 10 
April 8 
April 12 
April ID 
Nov. 5 
Nov. 2 
Nov. 7 
Nov. 5 
Nov. 3 
Nov. 7 



1840 
1841 
1842 

1843 
1844 

1845 
1846 

1847 
1848 
1849 
1850 
185 1 
1 85 1 

1853 
1856 
1856 
1858 
i860 
1862 
1864 
1866 
1868 
1870 
1874 
1876 
1878 
1882 
1884 
1886 
1888 
1890 



1895 
1897 
1899 
1901 
1903 
1905 



flfta^otalt^ Dote Ipercentaoe. 



It must be noted that on the occasions when there were three 
prominent candidates voted for, the percentage of the nominee elected 
was considerably reduced. This list starts with the first election of 
a Mayor by a vote of the people, May 5, 1840. No candidate up to 
1906 has received three-fourths of a total votes cast, but three have 
received two-thirds of all votes cast at an election. In further dis- 
section of this table, the Whig (W) nominee may be included in the 
Republican list. 

William Parmelee (W) 

James H. Manning (D) 

Charles H. Gaus (R) 

Eli Perry (D) 

James H. Manning (D) 

Charles E. Bleecker (D) 

Eli Perry (D) 

Oren E. Wilson (R) 

Charles H. Gaus fR) 

Edward A. Maher (D) 

Eli Perry (D) 

William Parmelee (W) 

Edmund L. Judson (R) 

A. Bleecker Banks (D) 

Geo. H. Thacher (D) ' 

James H. Blessing (R) 

Jared L. Rathbone (W) 

John Boyd Thacher (D) 

Friend Humphrey (W) 

Geo. H. Thacher (D) 

Charles H. Gaus (R) 

Barent P. Staats (D) 

Geo. H. Thacher (D) 

Eli Perry (D) 

Friend Humphrey (W) 

Friend Hum.phrev (W) 

John Taylor (W) 

Teunis Van Vechten (W) 

A. Bleecker Banks (D) 



.684 


1872 


.682 


1890 


.668 


1905 


•639 


1862 


.629 


1892 


.627 


1868 


.605 


1864 


■S77 


1894 


■577 


1903 


.566 


1888 


566 


1851 


•549 


1846 


•544 


1874 


•542 


1876 


•542 


1870 


•541 


1899 


•540 


1840 


•537 


1886 


•537 


1844 


■534 


1866 


•532 


1 901 


•531 


1842 


.526 


i860 


•526 


1851 


•517 


1849 


5H 


1843 


.510 


1848 


•509 


1841 


•505 


1884 



MAYORALTY VOTE PERCENTAGE. 



817 



Eli Perry (D) 
Franklin Townsend (W) 
John Boyd Thacher (D) 
John Keyes Paige (D) 
Eli Perry (D) 
Michael N. Nolan (D) 
William Parmeleee (W) 
Thos. J. Van Alstyne(D) 



•504 


1858 


.500 


1850 


497 


189s 


.489 


1845 


.476 


1856 


473 


1878 


.441 


1853 


•355 


1897 



lEIection Spates. 



Election. 


Sworn in. 




Slect'.on. 


Sworn in. 


May 5, 1840. . 


. .May 12, 1840 


April 


14. 1868 


. . . May 


6, 1868 


April 13, 1841. . 


. .May II, 1841 


April 


12. 1870 


. . . May 


6, 1870 


April 12, 1842. . 


. .May 10, 1842 


April 


9, 1872 


. . . May 


7, 1872 


April II, 1843. . 


. .April 18, 1843 


April 


14, 1874 


...April 


14, 1874 


April 9, 1844. . 


. .April 16, 1844 


April 


II, 1876 


. . . May 


2, 1876 


April 7, 1845.. 


. .April 15, 1845 


April 


9, 1878 


. . . May 


7, 1878 


April 14, 1846. . 


. .April 14, 1846 


April 


13, 1880 


. . . May 


4, 1880 


April 13, 1847.. 


. .April 20, 1847 


April 


II, 1882 


. . . May 


2, 1882 


April II, 1848. . 


. .April 18, 1848 


April 


9. T884 


. . . May 


6. 1884 


April 10, 1849. • 


. .April 17, 1849 


April 


13, 1886 


. . . May 


4, 1886 


April 9, 1850. . 


. .April 16, 1850 


April 


10, 1888 


. . . May 


I, 1888 


April 8. 1851. . 


. .April 15, 1851 


April 


8. 1890 


. . . May 


5, 1890 


Nov. 4, 1851 . . 


. .Jan. 13, 1852 


April 


12. 1892 


. . . May 


3, 1802 


Nov. 8, 1853. . 


. .Jan. 10, 1854 


April 


10, 1894 


. . . May 


I, 1894 


April 8, 1856.. 


. .May 6, 1856 


Nov. 


5. 1895 


. . .Jan. 


I. 1896 


April 14, 1857.. 


. .May 6, 1857 


Nov. 


2, 1897 


. . .Jan. 


I, 1898 


April 13, 1858. . 


. .May 4, 1858 


Nov. 


7, 1899 


. . .Jan. 


I, 1900 


April 10, i85o. . 


. .May I, i860 


Nov. 


5. 1901 


. . .Jan. 


I, 1902 


April 8, 1862.. 


. .May 6, 1862 


Nov. 


3, 1903 


. . . Jan. 


I, 1904 


April 12, 1864. . 


. .May 3, 1864 


Nov. 


7. 1905 


. . . .Jan. 


I, 1906 


April 10, 1866. . 


. .May I, 1866 











Previous to the earliest date given in this table the Mayor was 
elected by the Board of Aldermen for some years previous, and 
before that was commissioned bv the Colonial Governor. 



B D 11 9 






LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



014 108 368 5' 



